Recently formulated plans for the forestry sector in Nepal place much emphasis upon the encouragement of tree cultivation on private land. This paper examines tree cultivation by farmers from a village perspective. The species composition (planted and natural regeneration), location, and population structure of trees being cultivated by 44 farmers on their own land are discussed in the light of field observations and farmers' comments. Villagers' perceptions of the value of different species are outlined, and used to show why certain species are commonly planted. Farmers' planting techniques are also reported. An important factor influencing the location of trees on farm land was found to be farmers' views about the effect of tree shade on crop yields; this is discussed with relation to farm elevation. The population of trees on farm land was found to be dominated by seedlings and saplings, in keeping with the claim of many villagers that they had commenced planting trees only recently, in response to a deterioration in the quality of publicly utilized forest resources. A number of broad conclusions are drawn from the findings that have relevance to forestry projects operating in other parts of Nepal's Middle Hills, as well as national planning.