We have had an area on our property that is about 2 acres, and was just grass. It was mowed a couple times during the summer, but was really not being used well.
So this year we decided to plant a forest. The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority was contacted, and we decided to go with a mixed forest. Spruce, pine, cedar, oak, cherry, sycamore and maple. Their team came out with the tractor and planter, and in a few hours they had about 1000 trees planted.
Of course, this was right in the middle of a very dry spell. Doug really wanted the trees to survive, and to get them off to a good start, so he watered them. Every one of those little trees got some love and attention. It took about 4 hours. Yes, we have enough hose to reach the back corner. And when we didn’t get rain for another week, he watered them all again. He’s been cutting the grass around them too, so they don’t have to compete for light.
The spruces seem to be doing well, the pines and cedar look a little stressed. Some of the deciduous have really leafed out, others are still just sticks. So we’ll have to see what next summer brings.
Now we have to deal with the deer. Apparently they love to nibble on baby trees.
