I was reading the thread regarding ordering trees and shrubs for 2017. Where are you guys getting these from? I am in Pennsylvania. The amount of things some of you guys are ordering seems like it would cost a fortune. Where are you guys getting this stuff reasonably priced and how big are the trees when ordered? I am looking to add some fruit trees and shrubs. Where are you getting the supplies to protect the tree until it is mature enough to fend off critters?
Before I started with trees and shrubs, I worked on establishing objectives. In my case, those objectives led to a plan that requires a high volume of trees. So, I invested up front in some indoor grow rooms and buying root pruning containers. I find growing them from nuts and seeds and grafting to both seedlings and clonal rootstock a fun cabin fever project in the winter with a much lower cost per tree result.
I have purchased a few trees I could not directly grow myself. I purchased a few tigertooth jujube grown on their own roots from Just Fruits and Exotics in FL to experiment with and have been propagating them from root cuttings. I purchased a couple patented AU Buck chestnuts from the Wildlife Group and I'll be starting some seedlings from nuts from those trees this winter. I tried ordering Seguin nuts from China but they all ended up moldy and none germinated. So, I just ordered a few Seguin seedlings from the Wildlife Group. I'll collect nuts from them when they produce as well to start more seedlings. I have a couple threads on growing apples from seed that shows my approach for apples.
As for protection, the amount and type required seems to vary from place to place and tree species to tree species. Some require no protection on my place, some need tubes, and for pome I use cement wire (remesh) cages.
First, assess what you have and see if you can improve it. My biggest bang for the buck was finding native persimmon trees growing on my farm. I cut down male trees and grafted female scions to them. The scions were collected from my local female trees, traded with others, and purchased from named commercial varieties. For very little money, I was able to get the first persimmons in the third leaf after grafting on some trees and in the second leaf on one tree. While persimmons may or my not be a fit for you, the underlying principle is to assess the trees you have and see if grafting or simply releasing them could improve production.
There are lots of strategies folks use from direct seeding to transplanting large trees with a tree spade. You will find lots of good information searching these forums.
Thanks,
Jack
