Couple questions for you guys. I have about 100 acres of pasture ground that I would like to start planting some fruit/oak trees as well as types of trees/shrubs that will act as a bedding area or safe zone for the deer. One thing I have going for me already is an abundance of large trees that follow the entire creek that goes through the property. What I want to do is plant some apple/crab apple trees as well as some oak trees. Are there any types of these trees that are fairly easy maintenance as well as fast growing? I know I probably cant have best of both worlds but any advice would be great. Also, I want to plant trees or shrubs to start getting some thick areas established. What would be some tress or shrubs that will suit my needs in that situation? One downfall is it will be in pastures that our cows are still in so likely will need to be fencing these areas off. If there are any varieties that do not need to be fenced off from deer and cattle grazing that would be great. Basically any information at all would be greatly appreciated! PM me if you want to see aerial pics.
Bamboo is super fast growing but as far as stopping it........... not too sure you want that spreading.
Fast growing oak of choice by a lot of folks is Sawtooth, I'd mix in some whites here and there though as well as they have much longer lifespan despite the longer time to maturity White Pines if applicable in your area are the evergreen that will grow fast, and is cheap. The Green Giant Arbovitae(sp) is another choice which after established can easily put on 3 feet of growth a year, more expensive but some say worth it. Hybrid willows grow fast and some bush out to create more cover/sight blocking. All of these will take time though but in the grand scheme of things if my father and I had started planting trees 5 years ago when we thought about it (excuse used was "not worth waiting")---sawtooths would be close to matured and dropping depending on size planted and apple trees would be in their first or second light fruit bearing seasons depending on size planted. All trees take time though, and to encourage more take buy cheap woodchips for around them, fence them in and those two things will assist in them maturing faster not having to worry about ground weeds around base competing and deer/critters eating fresh shoots off.
Tyni nailed it. Sawtooths are incredible and deer freaking LOVE them. Apples....Dwarf apples or Semi dwarf will produce faster and be easier for deer to browse fruit. Consider some fruit bearing bushes for thickets, native is better IMO. These will also benefit quail and game birds which are in dire need of help. Clump grasses are also very useful, some tend not to spread even if they are ornamentals they are awesome to have around in fall. Place them strategically around your thickets and trees. Blackberries are incredible as well as Raspberries.
Thanks for the help so far guys! Any particular place I should look for these trees and shrubs or any local nursery?
We have a state nursury here in MO that offers some of the trees and shrubs, maybe your state has something similar? Other than that you'll just have to shop around for good deals. Like anything else sometimes you ca nfind closeout deals and get a good discount on them. Anyplace except Henry Fields....I've had some unfortunate experiences with them over the years.
