New planting next spring possibly this fall

[b116757]

I’m going to convert 8 acres of some highly erodible soil that currently in pasture to a new tree planting. I’m looking at about 450-500 trees probably from the red oak group on this planting. I’m really considering weed matting and 60” grow tubing acorns this fall instead of seedlings next spring seems like my in place acorns are simply more healthy and robust as compared to my bare root seedlings have been. Really I may even be able cut the number of plantings in half. I really want a 40’x40’ tree spacing when this is complete. I’ve been planting on a 40’ row spacing with 20’ tree spacing in the rows figuring on a 50% mortality rate I maybe better off just starting with my 40’x40’ and replacing any trees that don’t germinate the following year. Any thoughts on this? Most likely I will plant NRO, Shumard, and a few not very many latter dropping STO if I can get my hands on some of those acorns. I’m figuring that about the time the STO are growing old and starting to die off the natives should be around 30-40 or so years old and hopefully producing heavily. I believe I can locally source the acorns for the Shumard and NRO if I go the direct seeded route. I also have access to a few Shingle oaks as a acorn source also.

 

[Teeder]

Sounds like a good project. Where are you located? Just a thought, but red oak varieties don't germinate until spring, so I would wait to plant them. That will keep the chance of something happening to the acorn low over winter. Store them in the fridge. I like the idea of throwing a few sto in there, and I would add a couple WO's. Variety is good.

 

[b116757]

SE Kansas I planted 50 swamp chestnut oak, 50 English oak and 20 pear/apple trees adjoining this new planting last spring this next spring I was planning on red oak trees. I have considered stratification in the fridge and that maybe what I do to limit the furry little beasts from eating my hard work all winter. I have the state forester coming out next week to give an opinion on the best strategy.

 

[Teeder]

That sounds like a good plan.

 

[Tree Spud]

I would plant 3-4 times the density you are talking about. Relying on 100% success of the planned approach not really practical.

You can then thin them based on growth rate, crown formation, strength of main stem, etc.

I would also consider and understory of shrub planting along with more apple trees.

IMHO ... It take a very long time to produce an acorn ... having additional browse and fruit trees producing would be beneficial.

 

[chickenlittle]

Similar to what I did with Chinese chestnuts, I’d direct seed on the spring after the acorns germinate in the fridge. If you have the nuts, I’d do 2 per tube. And come back and remove the nut once you have top growth so you don’t get squirrels messing around.

I like the suggestion to plant at higher density but you can do it as a multiyear project where you replace losses. I also think having something productive that eventually gets shaded out makes sense. Could just plant clover but it’s also a chance to experiment.

 

[b116757]

Planted spring of 2021 one English a couple swamp chestnut oaks I think that one other oak is a burgamble planted fall of 2021 these are just a few I have behind the house in a lower area that has good deep soil they have received no water from me since planting. Three others planted the same time and place that are alive but not above the 60” tubes yet.

 

[bwoods11]

Dang good growth !

 

[Angus 1895]

If you could spare some shumard acorns.

I would like some please