First, let me say how great this site is with all the input and varying experience levels of people. I am a new property owner who just discovered this site, and have immersed myself in many of the types of projects these forums discuss in detail, so am thoroughly enjoying the chance to learn from others.
Like many others, I have recently placed an order with my state DNR for a large (for me) number of bare root trees and shrubs to be delivered and planted in the spring. I also plan to purchase additional trees and shrubs from my local soil and water conservation district, once their annual sale opens in the next month. All told, I am expecting between 700-800 trees and shrubs, including smaller seedlings, which also include 200 five year transplants (white pine and balsam). Last year, my first year owning the property, my wife and I planted about 350 trees, albeit nearly all of the smaller seedling size that could quickly be planted with a dibble bar.
My simple challenge this year is timing. I expect both DNR and conservation district trees to arrive within a fairly narrow window. It is just myself and my wife that will be doing the planting, and I am looking for any ways that I can spread this challenge out a bit, specifically the digging for some of these bigger trees. I have read on other forums about potential risks of pre-digging holes and the challenges with the holes drying out and getting hard, so curious if there is a way to do this. I know in the end, we’ll get it done either way, but any amount of pre-work I can do up front (e.g. cutting cages, staking locations, digging holes etc.) would be very helpful to understand.
Appreciate any feedback anyone wishes to share.
Chris
Like many others, I have recently placed an order with my state DNR for a large (for me) number of bare root trees and shrubs to be delivered and planted in the spring. I also plan to purchase additional trees and shrubs from my local soil and water conservation district, once their annual sale opens in the next month. All told, I am expecting between 700-800 trees and shrubs, including smaller seedlings, which also include 200 five year transplants (white pine and balsam). Last year, my first year owning the property, my wife and I planted about 350 trees, albeit nearly all of the smaller seedling size that could quickly be planted with a dibble bar.
My simple challenge this year is timing. I expect both DNR and conservation district trees to arrive within a fairly narrow window. It is just myself and my wife that will be doing the planting, and I am looking for any ways that I can spread this challenge out a bit, specifically the digging for some of these bigger trees. I have read on other forums about potential risks of pre-digging holes and the challenges with the holes drying out and getting hard, so curious if there is a way to do this. I know in the end, we’ll get it done either way, but any amount of pre-work I can do up front (e.g. cutting cages, staking locations, digging holes etc.) would be very helpful to understand.
Appreciate any feedback anyone wishes to share.
Chris