Going all Natural/Native?

[Bowsnbucks]

Agree with TreeDaddy on the acorns. ^^^ Too many fat calories in acorns to be ignored by deer. Our plots have been largely under-used once the acorns fell. Plot use seems to be at night. That'll change once the acorns start to rot and get buried under leaves and snow. The plots will become the focus then, and supply good nutrition all winter and into early spring. Late season archery attraction ?? :)

 

[yoderjac]

We have native oaks in our riparian buffers and deer relate to acorns as you say. The only problem with oaks is that except for a few like DCO, most of your planting will be for the next generation. Nothing wrong with that and long as you're not counting on production soon.

 

[Tap]

We have native oaks in our riparian buffers and deer relate to acorns as you say. The only problem with oaks is that except for a few like DCO, most of your planting will be for the next generation. Nothing wrong with that and long as you're not counting on production soon.

Right on. I had DCO (2-year bare root) that I put in the ground 2 years ago have a few acorns on them this year already.
Also planting Dustan and having fast bearing with those, too. Aren't chestnuts more preferred than acorns?

 

[yoderjac]

Right on. I had DCO (2-year bare root) that I put in the ground 2 years ago have a few acorns on them this year already.
Also planting Dustan and having fast bearing with those, too. Aren't chestnuts more preferred than acorns?

Some say so, but I think it is polishing turds. We can make some general statements about gross deer preferences, but in most cases, things like location, perceived risk, and other factors are bigger drivers than the difference between acorns and chestnuts.

Thanks,

Jack