X-mas tree farming It's really cheap to do!!

[1bush2hog]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

Roads going up and down on that kind of slope will need some forethought for erosion control and safe operation. Check out some of the USFS sites for tips and sketches.

I recently (4 weeks ago) hand planted 900 seedlings in different areas on my property - most were mixed in with old growth locust trees in existing forested areas, after I had cleared less desireable species.

I planted 500 white pines, 200 white oaks, and 200 mixed wildlife species and used a product called VISAPORE tree mats. These are a 3'X3' mat used to control weed growth for the first three years - They allow moisture thru the material and helps keep it in, but also blocks out potential growth of competing weeds and grasses.

A VA forestor recommended these - Guess I'll see how they work. They slip right over the seedling and are pinned down with 6" staples in 5 locations.

Also - I would recommend you purchase a planting bar if you will be planting seedlings - These are much easier than using a shovel, especially if you have many to plant.

Plant the trees - you will be doing a great ecological service for all, even if you don't end up farming christmas trees

Good Luck!

 

[forgeblast]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

I made myself a real cheap planting bar. You know the clam shell post hole diggers. Take the bolts off so that you have two seperate pieces. then slide a bolt back through the bottom hole on one of the phd's so you have something to stomp on. The last thing i did was to take a grinder and sharpen up the blade. I planted 40 forsythia, and 5 hazlenuts in no time. I think the secret was sharpening the blade, it helped cut through roots that were in the way. The nice long handle gives you lots of leverage too.
Forgeblast.

 

[1bush2hog]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

Sounds good -

I planted about 75-100 pine seedlings last year using a steel pry bar I had.

It sure gave the old arm a workout.

I put the planting bar on my XMAS list after using that pry bar /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[wvrocks]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

We just planted 500 trees about a month ago. 100 each of Red Pine, Scotch Pine, White Pine, Douglas Fir and Norway Spruce. We bought them from the WV State Nursery. They were $20 for 100 trees shipped. Almost all of them were in great shape and they were of consistant size. The were all 2 or 3 year old seedlings. We used a dibble (OST planting bar) to plant them and with 3 people it went pretty quickly. Took about 1 1/2 hrs per 100 trees. It would have been nice if it was about a foot longer but it worked ok.

We didn't water them when we planted but we did get about 20 inches of snow after we planted in a couple different storms and 3 inches of rain which really helped with getting them watered.

We sprayed every tree with a deer repellent. So far the deer have pretty much left them alone. They have nipped a couple of the white pines but nothing else. The corn feeder seems to be more interesting to them.

We don't know if we'll use them for a business or not. I planted them in areas that needed windbreaks and ground cover but I also spaced them evenly and with enough room to mow around them in case we decide to maintain and sell them. Most likely we will end up selling them in a pick and cut type Christmas tree operation. I'll probably end up planting a hundred more every year or so to keep up with die out and possible sales. If we don't sell any then I'll have a bunch of nicely spaced trees in the future to provide habitat, windbreaks, privacy screens and Christmas trees for life. Not a bad situation any way you look at it.

 

[DMF]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I hope you have a good high fence around your trees, otherwise you've just planted 250 deer appetizers. )</font>

That's what I was thinking! I planted 100 trees 2 years ago. I lost 40 the first winter to deer. I replanted those 40 and so far I've been lucky!

 

[zr2logee1]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

Hello everyone. I have been reading TBN for the past year now and decided to join. This post certainly caught my interest. I have been working on a Christmas Tree farm for 17 years. I just wanted to post a link to the picutres of the farm and what was planned to be a small couple acre farm.
http://community.webshots.com/album/548339766CMurAp

 

[Doc_Bob]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

zr2logee1, very nice slide show.
Bob

 

[zr2logee1]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

Thanks, it was presented to the CT Christmas Tree Growers Association in March 2006.

 

[rockfj]

Re: X-mas tree farming It\'s really cheap to do!!

That's really a great looking farm you have, thanks for sharing the pictures. My wife and I started a tree farm/nursery 3 years ago just outside Rochester NY. Currently we have 4000 various (Colorado Blue Spruce, Red Maple, Red Oak, Sawtooth Oak, and Sugar Maples) trees growing. This is a future retirement past time for me as time for the trees to grow is on my side. I plan to retire in about 10 years. Our farm is just under 40 acres. We have about half of it planted now. Between my wife and I we spend a lot of time mowing. I had an 18 wheeler of mulch delivered when we planted and have mulched each an every tree. Even so, controlling weeds is a challenge. I was wondering if you or anyone reading this could share what you do for controlling the weeds around so many young trees?
PS: For all the readers interested in Pole Barn information we just signed a contract with Morton Buildings for a 36x60 building with a 34x14 porch on one side. We have a number of options for barns in upstate NY and I looked into most all of them. Bottom line in my opion Morton is a bit pricy but a lot of bang for the buck in terms of quality and longevity.