Wife's new idea

Redneck in training · Jul 9, 2011

acme97 said:
So, my lovely bride got her dander up about folks not following the half circle drive at our place in SC. Of course in all honesty, it's not a well defined or graveled drive, so I understand and really don't have an issue right now. Anyway, she wants to plant popular's around the inside of the half circle to define that edge. We have ton's growing on the place so finding ones is no issue. I can do everything from a little sappling to 20ft or so. My question is how to get them out and replanted so they will survive. Of course I can always just keep replacing them, but that would not be my first choice. Here is what I have to work with.

Kubota L35 (4n1 with backhoe), Kioti DK50SE (with root grapple).

My thoughts are to use backhoe, dig around all the sides about 2ft from tree, then use a strap around base of tree connected to backhoe to lift. At same time, use shovel to cut away under tree. Then, use Kioti to transport.

Thoughts?

Since poplars grow very fast I would recommend to plant rather smaller trees because you will get a root system proportionally larger relative to the crown. That will increase a chance of survival. We have some planted about 6 years ago and my guess is they are about 30ft tall now. They are pretty narrow (assuming you have Lombardi poplars) so I would plant them rather close together. They don't live long so I would mix them with other trees that would take over when poplars die.

melanelly · Jul 12, 2011

Poplars are not the only or best choice for this location. I understand they are free and all but............sometimes free or cheep is not the best in the long run. Dont know about your location but they make GREAT LIGHTENING RODS HERE.

I've lost several over the last few years. These were in the 12-14 inch diameter range and one 40+. My:2cents:

Tig · Jul 12, 2011

Poplars around here are messy fluffing sticky yellow staining septic rooting nasty trees. I don't want them near my drive or house. I hope to eliminate them from my property in the next 5 to 10 years.
I hope your poplars are a nicer tree.

acme97 · Jul 13, 2011

Some good points were raised, the new thought is to do multiple types of trees. Some populars, oaks, and dawn redwoods. I have the populars and oaks, but will order the redwoods. Thanks for all the suggestions.

beeforty · Jul 14, 2011

We had a poplar that sent roots almost 20 -30 from the base down 4 ft of block wall to our lawn that my dad kept watered nicely. Even after cut off at the ground it still sucker sents root. A big CAT took out the rootball finally and took care of the problem:thumbsup:

Little_Grizzly · Jul 14, 2011

I apologize in advance for the slight hijack but it is related. I have a freshly cut flat spot on a hillside. I'd like to plant something fast growing to hold the downhill side. Poplar trees sound like just the thing the way you guys are describing the root system. Any other suggestions? I was thinking black or honey locusts. I don't care at all about ground sprouting. In fact I would encourage it.

acme97 · Jul 14, 2011

Little_Grizzly said:
I apologize in advance for the slight hijack but it is related. I have a freshly cut flat spot on a hillside. I'd like to plant something fast growing to hold the downhill side. Poplar trees sound like just the thing the way you guys are describing the root system. Any other suggestions? I was thinking black or honey locusts. I don't care at all about ground sprouting. In fact I would encourage it.

Don't know where you are, but what about Sweetgum? Those things grow like weeds in SC.

Little_Grizzly · Jul 15, 2011

Excellent idea. I'm in California. Those trees are everywhere out here. Not sure it will work in the exact spot I want to put it though but it's worth a shot. I think they like wet clay soil and where I want to put it is dry rocky/sandy soil. I know the climate is right though. Thanks for the idea.

Missouri Pioneer · Sep 7, 2011

LG, I strongly discourage you from planting honey locusts. I have a farm full of 'em and won't live long enough to kill but a fraction. Most have thorns, although some not as many. They are nasty, nasty trees. Day before yesterday, I cut down a big one (12-14") and probably 20-25 small ones. Poisoned 'em, too, otherwise they'll sprout up.

As far as planting poplar, about 20 years ago I lined my long driveway with Bradford Pears, a lovely fast growing soft wood tree in many ways similar to poplar. Bad, bad idea. They were about 8-10' tall at planting and over the years between ice storms, wind storms and deer, I've lost about half.

If I had it to do over again, I'd plant oaks or maples. My .02.