smithhunter1975
Active Member
I just bought some from a local grower. I might have a few more than I need, how many you looking for?
Nrharris
PMA Member
I have some on order from ww native seeds. Haven't showed up yet. Would be worth a shot.
I have a 2 acre hay field I'm looking to transition into early successional growth for deer habitat next year. Within that I'm planning to plant a few trees, primarily for wildlife benefit. I was thinking 1) Chestnuts 2) Swamp White Oaks. Both fast growing and deer love them. I was also thinking some fruit trees but it's close to the road and the further portion from the road is in a low spot that I'm not sure fruit trees would thrive in.
Any other suggestions for 'deer trees' in a small 2 acre field?
Any other suggestions for 'deer trees' in a small 2 acre field?
Hardwood11
It is going to be a good fall!
Some type of conifer tree. Cedar, spruce, pine ?
Never bad idea. The other side of the farm is loaded with Cedars but this side isn't. Could help to thicken it up some. Thanks.
Hardwood11
It is going to be a good fall!
I have planted some hackberry. They grow fast, and provide some wildlife value. Maybe a row ?
Wind Gypsy
Member
I have a similar situation and I went mostly Schuettes oaks instead of SWO to hopefully get a little quicker growth and acorn bearing and also mixed in some spruce, red osier dogwood, and arrowood viburnum for browse and cover.
Currently busy planting chestnuts. This is just the basics but may be useful to some.
Nrharris
PMA Member
Are you just using a 5' chunk of conduit for a 5' tube? How deep do you need to pound in the conduit?
No, t post.
Nrharris
PMA Member
Also what are you using for soil? That looks like a lot of growth for one season.
2 year old trees. (Not what I normally plant). 95% of what I fall plant is 24" trees grown from seed the same spring.
Hardwood11
It is going to be a good fall!
Nharris/-What kind of oaks ?
Nrharris
PMA Member
I've got whites, swamp white, chestnut, dco, pin, schuette, hazelnuts, and a species of red that I'm not sure what they were but had huge acorns.
Snail3496
Active Member
Currently in my 4th winter starting trees from acorn/chestnut. Have been getting them started under lights in 10" cone-tainers, then transplanting and tubing them sometime around the end of April after the frosts are mostly gone. That has yielded the best results for my situation so far. I've potted some into year two but it's way more bulky and I haven't experienced much extra growth to outweigh the cone method. I also don't have a greenhouse setup or anything so I'm sure that makes a difference!!
What does everyone consider when selecting the specific oak to start acorns from?
My first year I was acorn happy but soon realized they don't all grow the same, so I've become more selective with a few specific tree's based on a trait that stands out. Acorn size also seems to be a good indicator for above average growth I've noticed. Has anyone else noticed that?
This is the best one I've come across so far. Started from acorn and planted as an 18" seedling spring '22. This pic is from September '23, and its well out of the 5ft tube. I have 15 just like it from the same crop. Some sort of english/swamp natural hybrid I am told. Pretty fun stuff!
What does everyone consider when selecting the specific oak to start acorns from?
My first year I was acorn happy but soon realized they don't all grow the same, so I've become more selective with a few specific tree's based on a trait that stands out. Acorn size also seems to be a good indicator for above average growth I've noticed. Has anyone else noticed that?
This is the best one I've come across so far. Started from acorn and planted as an 18" seedling spring '22. This pic is from September '23, and its well out of the 5ft tube. I have 15 just like it from the same crop. Some sort of english/swamp natural hybrid I am told. Pretty fun stuff!
mzldr4life
Active Member
That looks like great success. What temp do you like to keep them at in the cone-tainers and what soil do you use? When do you start them and how often do you water? How deep do you put them in?
Snail3496
Active Member
I just have them in my basement under a cheap grow light all winter, so maybe low 60's. Surely a warmer temp they would do even better. Use straight peat. I take the peat in bucket, mix in some water so the peat is extremely damp, antibacterial dish soap (stops mold), and sevin (stops gnats from forming). Mix it all together - could use your hands or electric drill with an auger bit. Either or works but the drill is way cleaner.
I usually start them around Christmas time when cabin fever starts to creep in. One cone tainer flat (98 trees) will fit inside one large dollar store tub.
A tree legend in my state showed me all of this when I was starting so I can't take any credit for it. I'm all ears if someone has a better indoor system
letemgrow
PMA Member
I've noticed that, which makes sense since a larger acorn has more energy to throw at a growing seedling.
Of course genetics also play a factor to coincide with acorn size.