The undertaking of my life!

[BuckeyeBrad]

I have 25 acres in mid-michigan that has about 15 acres of farmland.  I'm 33 years old and want to plant this so my grandkids will have some more woods someday.  I'm thinking of planting a mixture of white pine, cedar, white and red oak and some maples.  Should I mix in some poplar for fast growth?  I'm going to buy the motherload of seedlings next spring and go for it.  Anyone have some words of wisdom so 40 years from now I'll be a smiling old man?

[Ron Scott]

Have your local  Conservation District Forester look at your property and take a soil sample to the Extension Service office for analysis. Their recommendations will advise you on planting the appropriate tree species for best results.

[IndyIan]

Also you need a plan to handle all those seedlings.  They need to be protected while you are planting.  If the roots dry out before you plant them many may not grow.  Also they can't warm up before they get into the ground, that will kill them as well.

My forester suggests planting your seedlings over 2 or 3 years as well in case of drought one year.  That way you only lose some, not all your trees and also during your last year you can fill in the gaps from trees that didn't make it.  If you've never planted before, do a couple thousand this year to get the feel for it and then go for it next year.

Personally I don't like row plantations, they look ugly and don't feel like real woods when your in them.  If you leave some gaps, meadows and randomly plant, your forest will look nicer and your grandkids might like to spend some time there.  Also you will have more wildlife.  
Ian  

[Texas Ranger]

Going back and planting gaps may not be practical, usually the jump the first year seedlings have is great enough to over shadow any replant of areas less than a half acre or so.

[jrdwyer]

As mentioned, the type of soil is a very important factor in tree selection for planting. If you don't get a soil sample tested, then at least consult  the soil books for the types in your area.

Plant a variety of species. Who knows what will be valuable in 40 years and what pests will wreak havoc with this or that tree. You didn't mention black cherry, yellow birch, walnut, basswood, or red maple. And you might throw in a few (other then sugar maple) slower growing species for a little variety, like bitternut hickory or beech. Just plant the slow growers together. And how about a few KY coffeetrees, which has a beautiful brownish wood.

For spacing, I personally would go wider like 8x10 or 10x10. Buy good trees, plant them properly, water if very dry in the first few years, and control those weeds. I repeat, control those weeds. And don't underestimate rabbit damage in the winter if they are abundant in your area. Finally, don't ding the trees with mowers or trimmers.

Good Luck with the project.

[crtreedude]

Hi,

We actually have a tree plantation, not in North America however but in Costa Rica - trees grow much faster in the tropics.  However, many of the issues are the same.

As I am sure most people on this forum are aware, the real issue is not how to grow trees - just leave the area fallow and it will grow trees eventually, the real issue is how to grow good trees that are worth something.

In Costa Rica about 9 years ago the Government encouraged the farmers to plant teak.  Well, many of them did, the government even supplied the trees for free.  The only problem is that 9 years later much of the trees are not very valuable because they were not taken care of properly.  

If you want to get the most out of your investment, look into pruning, etc.  Also, make sure that you prepare well.  And yes, you have to weed, etc.

By the way, if you are interested in reforestation for profit, take a look at my website - I post a ton of information there.