Have you ever sat under the shade of a tree that you planted? It’s gratifying to know that you initiated that bit of shade! We often have used a live pine tree for Christmas making a great memory for our boys as they dug the hole in autumn and backfilled it so it would be easy to plant their tree after Christmas. It always had a few strings of tinsel that waved at us the rest of the winter as we would come out to water it. Many fall planted trees are lost due to not watering them during the winter months, new trees need watering in winter.
Here is a Christmas tree Noah, my son planted with his dad years ago.
We sold the house but it was such a happy memory for my son, we still drive by to “visit the tree” when we come to town. It’s planted too close to the house, another common mistake made by not researching the tree’s long-term features.
Here is a new maple tree that we have planted at our present homestead. Due to the intense wind shear, we are using supports to help the root system get established.
We are making progress on the next and hopefully final homestead. I have a dear brother with a degree in Agronomy who specializes in tree care. He walked the property and encouraged us to remove most of the underbrush and all of the unkempt dead trees. Jim has decided to keep the elms in the front yard until they succumb to blight as the shade greatly reduces the temperature. It’s amazing how cool it is under the treetop canopy.
At our final homestead, I will plant trees for the next generation. An American Chestnut,(the new fungus resistant variety), a Cottonwood, two male Osage Orange trees, (hedge apples) a real Chinese Elm and a pecan grove for starters. Several of these will soar to great heights so they will need room to grow.
Research now what trees you might plant this spring or fall, they will be available at Buchheit when you are ready. Don’t forget to dig and back-fill a hole for your Christmas tree!
When was the last time you casted your shadow in the moonlight? Sit under the stars soon! Here to help, Anne May.
