Tree line

[JMER817]

Bought 25 acres and on one side it connects to another 20 some acres which will most likely be split into multiple build sites. This side is all tillage with no trees. I want to start a tree line on the property line. Thinking of planting some Norway spruce and maple trees along with some switchgrass. Probably throw some mixed flower seed down as well. Thinking about some type of shrub as well. Will just leave it alone and let it grow wild and hopefully fill in after a couple years to give me a little privacy and good border. Zone 5 and tree line will be 700' long. Thoughts?

 

[vtsnowedin]

While you might want to plant some smaller species right on the line to mark it I would place the larger trees back from the property line far enough that their mature crowns are all on your side of the line so you have complete control over them. It varies state to state but here a line of trees on the line is half yours and half your neighbors as in every other tree down the line starting on the left end as you face the line with the corner tree left untouched and the next for you neighbor then one for you and so on, preceding down the line.

 

[BitChin1]

Throw in some nut trees (Pecan, Hickory, Walnut) Black Locust, and persimmon, american plum for smaller/shrub.

 

[forgeblast]

If your looking for trees check out lawyer nursery, if you have deer get the 5' tubex tubes otherwise your just feeding them.

 

[JMER817]

If your looking for trees check out lawyer nursery, if you have deer get the 5' tubex tubes otherwise your just feeding them.

Looks like a nice site for information...thanks!! Do you know if you can purchase from them as an end user?

 

[MossRoad]

Bought 25 acres and on one side it connects to another 20 some acres which will most likely be split into multiple build sites. This side is all tillage with no trees. I want to start a tree line on the property line. Thinking of planting some Norway spruce and maple trees along with some switchgrass. Probably throw some mixed flower seed down as well. Thinking about some type of shrub as well. Will just leave it alone and let it grow wild and hopefully fill in after a couple years to give me a little privacy and good border. Zone 5 and tree line will be 700' long. Thoughts?

Consult your state forester for ideas as to what species will grow best in your soil type. The service is usually free and they have good knowledge. We had them come to our property and they checked the soil types and gave us a list of small, medium and large shrubs and trees. We ended up with about 3-4 types of low shrubs that provide food for wildlife, with two staggered rows of various crab apple trees behind that, with two rows of pines behind that. Then behind all of that we planted alternating rows of pines and mixed hardwoods that we manage for veneer timber. The pines grow fast in cones forcing the hardwoods to stress and grow slower, but straight up between the pines, eventually topping over them when the pines hit about 35'. We planted our crop around 1990.... should be ready for harvest about.... well after I'm dead! :laughing: But the kids will have something nice. Anyhow, the windbreak with the shrubs, crabs and pines works very well for a wildlife corridor. Lots of wild birds, turkeys, deer, etc... run through that line.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

There's lots of stuff on the internet, so I would suggest that you design it according to how you want it to function. A hedgerow will function as an impenetrable fence if you so desire. I recall one of the city parks here having a hedgerow that was impressive. Its main constituent was a line of closely planted trees, probably 12 to 14 foot tall, that formed a dense barrier of thorns. Nothing much larger than a sparrow could get through; and to my knowledge required very little maintenance, other than perhaps mowing. I suspect it was planted many years ago, perhaps about the time of statehood.

Here's an example of the information out there:

Tips: Hedgerows - Rural to Urban

 

[forgeblast]

Looks like a nice site for information...thanks!! Do you know if you can purchase from them as an end user?

Yes if you spend 250.oo. Just check out the shipping info. I have bought from them 4-5 times now and recommend them highly!

 

[nybirdman]

You may want to check with your state Soil&Conservation Dept.Sometimes they will have programs for planting trees ect.Purchase at a reduced price.

 

[dave1949]

Hazel nut trees/large bushy shrubs make good cover and produce tasty nuts. There should be some good cultivars for your area.

Hazel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia