Anybody planting trees? Share your stories!

[yankees1]

I have been working with plants for about 4 decades here is Southeastern Az. Here are a couple of tips for those that get inspired by this thread to go plant some trees. The old saying is that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is today.

1) Go Native - Picking a plant that is adapted to your local climatic and soil conditions will give you the best chance for success with the least amount of work. It will also attract local wildlife (birds, butterfly, etc.) so you will get to enjoy them too.

2) Everything requires some maintenance. - Planting a tree is a lot like getting married. It isn't the initial installation, but the long term maintenance that determines success.

3) Be aware of mature size. - If you want something that only grows to 10 ft. then pick something that grows to 10 ft. Don't choose a plant that grows to 20 ft. and think you are going to keep it pruned. Pruning, and the work that it takes to prune, is overrated.

And remember folks, taking care of the land these days , it's not just isn't for hippies.

Jim

Great advice, especially #2 ! Sometimes it/she needs pruned back a little too !

[Charlie Bernstein]

I planted a little potted cedar in the backyard ten or fifteen years ago. It was about twenty feet tall two years ago when a sixty-foot white locust fell on it.

Maine is windy. But not as windy as Tennessee!