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MHF US Northeast => Hunting New York => Topic started by: Hollywood on Dec 19, 2014, 03:40:08 PM

Title: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 19, 2014, 03:40:08 PM
Took some time to plan where I need to clear for the coming springs chestnut tree & apple tree plantings. Basically there are 2 main bedding areas, one on the North end & one towards the South. I already have a pretty good start near the southern bedding area with a few dozen crabapple and a couple dozen chestnut trees established last spring (in the area that I spent clearing the past 2 winters) I plan to expand that area down the hill a bit more- about another 1/2 to 3/4 of an acre more. I will plant Jonamac's & Mcintosh along with some more chestnut there this spring. After that area is opened enough I'm going to open an area that borders the southern side of the northern bedding area. There is a nice bench that the deer already use a lot between these 2 feed lots I'm creating- when they are producing well in a few years this bench is going to be incredible as the bucks cruise between the two. This way I can hunt near whichever feeding area the wind is right for... but mostly will hunt the bench between the two so the deer can feed undisturbed for the most part.  Hard & soft mast will be in both areas with clover , turnips etc also. The deer don't get at the turnips until late season- they are in where I put them now hard- looks like plenty made it through the season! The new tree plantings will drop from September right through winter- I chose the varieties I did to produce a constant flow of drops. The heavy wet snow broke a few of the old established wild apple trees right in half. I pruned everything that needed it, I'm sure those limbs will be eaten up quick! I've really come to enjoy the clearing & prep work in the winter. It's really easy to see what should stay & what needs to go when it's not a jungle. No ticks or deer flies is a big plus too. I will try to get a few pics next trip and put them here when I do.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: adkRoy on Dec 19, 2014, 05:18:12 PM
I'll be cutting back some brush tomorrow from around my food plot, trimming out some new shooting lanes around one of my new stands, and doing some post season scouting and shed hunting. I've been getting some trail cam pics of bucks that have already shed antlers.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 19, 2014, 06:02:51 PM
I'll be cutting back some brush tomorrow from around my food plot, trimming out some new shooting lanes around one of my new stands, and doing some post season scouting and shed hunting. I've been getting some trail cam pics of bucks that have already shed antlers.

Wow- It's early for that... stay safe & have fun.  8)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 19, 2014, 06:53:55 PM
HW you make me want to build another food plot ASAP.

I picked up 5 more apple trees (3 crabs 2 regular) yesterday and they are going in this weekend. I am going to plant a dozen dunstan chestnuts in the spring. I plan on turning my existing food plot into half fruit/nut trees and the other half is going to stay clover.

It will be a few years before I build another food plot but I might just make the whole thing fruit/nut trees.

You are an inspiration to us all!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 19, 2014, 08:33:21 PM
HW you make me want to build another food plot ASAP.

I picked up 5 more apple trees (3 crabs 2 regular) yesterday and they are going in this weekend. I am going to plant a dozen dunstan chestnuts in the spring. I plan on turning my existing food plot into half fruit/nut trees and the other half is going to stay clover.

It will be a few years before I build another food plot but I might just make the whole thing fruit/nut trees.

You are an inspiration to us all!

Well... thanks for kind words. The only reason I can do the things I'm doing with the place is that the time is right. Kids grown & gone so there is time to go do this instead of the other responsibilities that were much more important at that time. Where are you finding fruit trees this time of year? My chestnut seeds came today... have to put them in peat moss & into the fridge for a couple months until they sprout. Curious to see how it works out doing them from seed- you can get a whole lot more trees going than buying them by the gallon pot. Still going to buy more Dunstan that way in the spring but if I can get 30 trees out of the 150 seeds I'll only have $47 invested... got to try it! These are Chinese chestnut. I'm going with them in case by some chance the Dunstan become infected when they're older or some other weird invasive gets to them. Hate having all the eggs in one basket. Good luck & have fun with your project!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 20, 2014, 07:50:24 AM
I got the trees from Aspinall's in Chittenango. They have plenty.

Time is always an issue with me with a young boy. We squeeze a lot of stuff in during nap time.  ;D I wouldn't trade him for all the big bucks in the world!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 20, 2014, 07:26:52 PM
I'm beat... but opened a bit more up today. Didn't know that they carried them this time of year, reeleyz, good to know!
 This is near the southern bedding area- 2 years ago when I first started clearing it... The tree you see behind and to the left of Cubby & the wheeler is the same one that is 1/3 of the way over from the left in the background of the next pic...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land36_zps6f6703df.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land36_zps6f6703df.jpg.html)

This is from this morning... wish I had panoramic, it's more open than you see...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land1498_zps226ef030.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land1498_zps226ef030.png.html)

The crabapple are in the foreground- the area I'm clearing is the thick stuff downhill...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land1493_zpsec38de4f.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land1493_zpsec38de4f.png.html)

The crabapple were only about 16-18" when they went in back in May. Some are 6' tall now- really impressed with the growth-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land1494_zpsc584542a.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land1494_zpsc584542a.png.html)

This is the other side of the gully- this chestnut tree grew a good 5' this year. Those are deer tracks through there- after the food plot stuff. The main thing I learned this year with all the trees I planted- "Too low- won't grow, too high, won't die" The trees that were put in even just slightly under grade are alive- but not thriving. The ones put in just a little on the high side all just shot up- like this one-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land1499_zps40700030.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land1499_zps40700030.png.html)

Last weeks heavy snow took a toll on some of the big old wild apple trees-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14103_zps261d3b06.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14103_zps261d3b06.png.html)

What I managed to get clear in 6 hours today. I figure I'll need about 4-5 more days before this is as open as I need it to be for this springs trees, this whole area is choked with grape vines that are all interwoven from tree to tree. Really slows down the clearing.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land1491_zpsbb2e5eb5.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land1491_zpsbb2e5eb5.png.html)

Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Dec 21, 2014, 06:18:59 AM
Great looking spot , Those trees are coming to life very quickly and coming to life  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 21, 2014, 07:58:53 AM
These are the Chinese chestnut seeds I got yesterday-


(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14104_zps9a5e6014.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14104_zps9a5e6014.png.html)


Putting them bagged in humus then in the fridge until they germinate in a couple months-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14105_zps91492504.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14105_zps91492504.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Raquettedacker on Dec 21, 2014, 08:09:12 AM
Looking good Tom... 
No time for chasing bunnies?    ;)
I would think you would leave those brush piles for them...   :D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 21, 2014, 08:33:35 AM
Looking good Tom... 
No time for chasing bunnies?    ;)
I would think you would leave those brush piles for them...   :D

Bunnies chew young fruit & nut trees... going out of my way to make sure there isn't cover for them in this area. My buddy the redtail hawk loves what I'm doing up here- he flies off almost every time I head up! Quite a few owls too. There are plenty of piles and multifloral rose domes I left on the bottom 2 years back. I will do a couple bunny hunts with the boys this winter... but I've got my work cut out for me here if I want things ready to roll in the spring. Once I get a picture of how I'd like things to be in my head... I get kind of obsessed with getting it there. It will be quite a few years before I'll see how it all pans out.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Dec 21, 2014, 09:12:57 AM
Where did you get the seeds from.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 21, 2014, 09:24:27 AM
Looking good HW. I assume the Chinese chestnuts drop at a different time than the Dunstans?

Do you do anything for weed control around the trees?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 21, 2014, 09:31:54 AM
Where did you get the seeds from.


http://www.route9cooperative.com/ (http://www.route9cooperative.com/)

I dealt with Empire Chestnut that ships through this co-op. If this works out I plan to try some of the Chinkapin Chestnut next winter.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 21, 2014, 09:45:30 AM
Looking good HW. I assume the Chinese chestnuts drop at a different time than the Dunstans?

Do you do anything for weed control around the trees?

Eliminating competition from weeds & grass is the best thing you can do to promote growth. Last season I kept things clear by hand weeding. One of the things I will be doing in the spring is putting landscaping fabric around the base of every apple & nut tree there. I thought I could keep up with it by hand- but it's quickly getting to the point where there will be just too much to do. I will incorporate fabric into the process now when I plant. I really pays to cage your fruit trees. I left a couple exposed just to see how it went... they got pounded! Once things mature it won't be so bad... but that'll be awhile. The Dunstan chestnut trees have been pretty much left alone. I will spray the deer repellant on them when they start to bud but they didn't bother them last spring/summer/fall. I will be wrapping the bases to prevent them being rubbed too. Just popping the tree in the ground is the easy part! Did you get your trees in reeleyz?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 21, 2014, 10:50:14 AM
Yup I got them planted yesterday. I also made sure to have them an inch or two above grade.

I was thinking landscape fabric would be good too. My existing trees are growing slowly and I think getting rid of the weeds is key.

Speaking of cages, I had removed them from my 4 small trees this year and each of them got hit by deer. One was rubbed and the others were raked by horns. They browsed them good too. Needless to say the cages are back on! Lesson learned there.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Raquettedacker on Dec 21, 2014, 11:49:21 AM
I'm going to show that to my boss and see if we can start a couple dozen in the green house... ;)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 21, 2014, 12:22:27 PM
HW - did you try the grow tubes for the chestnuts?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 21, 2014, 03:54:14 PM
I'll be cutting back some brush tomorrow from around my food plot, trimming out some new shooting lanes around one of my new stands, and doing some post season scouting and shed hunting. I've been getting some trail cam pics of bucks that have already shed antlers.

It looks like they are starting to drop their horns here too. I actually passed on this buck with the bow and was thrilled to see that he made it through.

(http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz8/bschantz/Mobile%20Uploads/PICT0065_zps9d9a12da.jpg) (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/bschantz/media/Mobile%20Uploads/PICT0065_zps9d9a12da.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Spikehorn11 on Dec 21, 2014, 06:49:20 PM
Looking great Tom.

Hows the grouse population? Ive been out looking for them but keep finding holdover pheasants that the state released before deer season.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: nyduckman on Dec 21, 2014, 07:17:49 PM
Looking great Tom.

Hows the grouse population? Ive been out looking for them but keep finding holdover pheasants that the state released before deer season.
and that's a bad thing Matt?     lol ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 21, 2014, 08:42:08 PM
Looking great Tom.

Hows the grouse population? Ive been out looking for them but keep finding holdover pheasants that the state released before deer season.

I've got grouse all over... until we get a good snow like two weeks back- then they're gone. Across the road there is a pretty extensive patch of cedars and a swampy area. I'm pretty sure they winter there.

reeleyz-

I haven't tried the grow tubes. They are talked up pretty good, but I doubt I could have gotten better first year growth than I did. I've got a sprayer for the back of the wheeler... It was dry for about a month or more right after I planted last year. I got there at least every other day and kept everything from drying out. Grow tubes mostly help by retaining moisture- I guess if you keep things watered- especially early on, you'll do fine without them. Otherwise I'm sure they'll make a big difference.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Dec 21, 2014, 09:12:08 PM
It looks like they are starting to drop their horns here too. I actually passed on this buck with the bow and was thrilled to see that he made it through.

(http://i808.photobucket.com/albums/zz8/bschantz/Mobile%20Uploads/PICT0065_zps9d9a12da.jpg) (http://s808.photobucket.com/user/bschantz/media/Mobile%20Uploads/PICT0065_zps9d9a12da.jpg.html)
oh I was thinking it was a little early for that ; Guess I was wrong  ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 22, 2014, 04:52:38 PM
Chipping away at it...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14110_zpsd3deaf40.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14110_zpsd3deaf40.png.html)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14109_zpsebb8f47c.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14109_zpsebb8f47c.png.html)

Hitting the turnips good now. Looks like the population is in good shape after the season thinning- still quite a few around.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14107_zpsbf2d65e8.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14107_zpsbf2d65e8.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Dec 23, 2014, 03:55:04 AM

    Making room for the chestnuts or you adding some different type vittles , You got it looking real good around there
    They sure are digging for them , You need to be setting in the shack still looks like it is comfy   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 23, 2014, 06:08:36 AM
    Making room for the chestnuts or you adding some different type vittles , You got it looking real good around there
    They sure are digging for them , You need to be setting in the shack still looks like it is comfy   ;D ;D

I'm clearing this spot for more apple trees with Chestnut mixed through also.  Our season closed on the 16th, that shack is pretty comfy, but Dad's stand has it beat...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land1472_zps0c40d7f1.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land1472_zps0c40d7f1.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Dec 23, 2014, 01:42:13 PM


     hehehe  :) :)   yeah look at those cabnets
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 23, 2014, 02:42:08 PM
That looks comfy! ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 23, 2014, 08:35:40 PM
Dad is on some medication that makes it so he can't handle the cold like he used to. I put a lot of effort last summer into being able to move the camper to a good travel zone between 2 bedding areas so we could hunt this year together.

 This is Dad celebrating his 70th deer season...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land1481_zps9fbfc75b.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land1481_zps9fbfc75b.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Dec 24, 2014, 06:09:44 AM


             Yes  Yes  The young 20 year old looks very happy with that smile ;  Good for him he still get's excited doesn't he  :) :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 24, 2014, 07:28:51 AM
That is awesome HW!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 27, 2014, 04:47:08 PM
Orchard is starting to take shape.
Before...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14128_zps43f6ef17.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14128_zps43f6ef17.png.html)
Progress so far...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14130_zps3a1e66e3.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14130_zps3a1e66e3.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 27, 2014, 09:02:38 PM
Looks like there are not many big trees there? Those vines don't look fun though.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Dec 28, 2014, 06:25:55 AM
A lot of 6" diameter trees, a few 12-18 inchers but not a lot. I think this area had been cleared before many years ago as there is a distinct difference here from the steeper areas on either side of it. Relatively level areas are at a premium here. Got my saw pinched beyond recovery yesterday. Stood there trying to come up with the best course of action to free it with my hands on my hips. My right hand was actually resting on my .45 and I thought "might work... but if I shoot my saw I'm going to feel like a complete moron" Happy to report that 1 well placed shot dropped that tree in its tracks and I got my saw back! Next time though I'm bringing the wedge.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14127_zpsfac7b98b.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14127_zpsfac7b98b.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Dec 28, 2014, 06:58:47 AM
  Looking real real good vines are taking a licking , You got to be a farmer for sure coming up with a little invention's
  hehehehe  was a great idea and worked  :) :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Dec 28, 2014, 03:42:40 PM
That is pretty clever. That place is looking good!

I am going to clear a few trees tomorrow to let in some more sunlight for those Apple trees. I figure I might as well do some firewood while waiting for some ice.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Dec 31, 2014, 08:44:38 PM


        Thanks for the info. Tom ; Got 5 Chinese chestnut trees coming from Gurneys at the end  of  April , Going to give them a try   :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 01, 2015, 03:56:23 PM

            Your in box is full Tom

I'll clean it up. Good luck with your chestnuts- let me know how it goes.
Spent New Years Day clearing- things are finally starting to take shape. I think I'm going to continue downhill a bit more. You can kind of see the flat that makes sense to clear in the first pic...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14137_zpsb593567a.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14137_zpsb593567a.png.html)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14136_zpsaffc0022.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14136_zpsaffc0022.png.html)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14135_zps12b40453.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14135_zps12b40453.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jan 01, 2015, 04:38:07 PM


    Did you mix them chestnuts with those crab apples , Or you keeping crabs on one side and chestnuts on the other .
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Jan 01, 2015, 06:00:45 PM
Looking good. How far apart did you plant the apple trees and how far apart are your chestnut trees?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 01, 2015, 09:15:30 PM
Looking good. How far apart did you plant the apple trees and how far apart are your chestnut trees?

    Did you mix them chestnuts with those crab apples , Or you keeping crabs on one side and chestnuts on the other .


The crabapple are about 16 feet apart and are in a cluster on the farthest uphill side (in the cages) The chestnut are scattered below the crabapple and elsewhere that there is adequate sun. They are about 50' apart. Below these I'm putting a mix of fruit trees- I hope to have 50 Mcintosh and Jonamac coming in spring but I haven't got confirmation on that yet. I'm planting everything far enough apart that I can plant clover/foodplot mix that will have enough light to do well and be able to mow without too much trouble. I'm getting a good enough deal on the apple trees that if they couldn't get them in this springs shipment I'm going to just put in plot seed an wait til 2016. Hopefully, they'll be here in a couple months. When complete there will be fruit/nut trees throughout with clover/chicory/etc as ground cover. I'm sure the turkeys will love this new clearing- they were in it pretty good after the first stage which was pretty small. Everything loves edges- I've got a few other plans either side of this to create more. These edges will most just be brush hogged areas though I will plant chestnut where I can and the light is adequate.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 03, 2015, 04:00:17 PM
Kept working down the hill today. Kind of snotty out but the ground is frozen so no muddy mess and no snow so it's easy to see what you're doing. Just finished off a quart of venison chili. It was great to come home starving- pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes then chow down!
High winds really got the fire churning today...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land153_zps139a2fa8.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land153_zps139a2fa8.png.html)

Progress to date...
The trail you can see to the right of the lone tree is one I cut last winter- it leads to the furthest South bedding area. Not for human travel- just deer. They use it pretty frequently.   8)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land156_zps07e8f12d.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land156_zps07e8f12d.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jan 04, 2015, 04:45:58 AM


            You doing lot's of work around there and looking mighty good . Need you around my place hehehe   ;D ;D
            Mine is pretty good , Got to take a walk and see where I going to put my chestnuts ; Plus 3 morle trees ....
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: TallywackahME on Jan 04, 2015, 01:38:43 PM
Mr Hollywood, I'm assuming you was usingachainsaw? Here's a little helpful tip for ya if you get that badly pinched again.  Take the bar off your saw lol. If you frig up then, a new bar is only 40$ vs. a new saw.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 05, 2015, 05:08:24 AM
Mr Hollywood, I'm assuming you was usingachainsaw? Here's a little helpful tip for ya if you get that badly pinched again.  Take the bar off your saw lol. If you frig up then, a new bar is only 40$ vs. a new saw.

Good idea- I'm not a very good pistol shot!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 09, 2015, 03:35:58 PM
Got great news today- they had 50 Jonamac's to add to my buddies wholesale order! Trees will be here in April so I'll be sure to have everything leveled up & ready by then. In my friends orchard he said these produce about 1/2 a bushel by the third season then they really multiply after that. Going to start these along the northern border of this opening and plot seed the rest then add different types of trees each spring. I figure the crabapple will start producing a bit in about 3 years also... I'm thinking 2018 will be the start of some better traffic in this part of the woods.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jan 09, 2015, 05:21:09 PM


          Sounds real good getting them on there way ; Got 6 mac's and 4 of the freedom's ; Mac's just started producing
          this year ; Freedom's been at it a couple year's now . Got to look into them  Jonamac's my self for sure ....
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 12, 2015, 02:55:11 PM
Researched the apples a bit more & realized I was about to make a big mistake with 50 of the same type of tree- all would be ready at the same time. Contacted the nursery & changed it to-

10 Jonamac- ripe about 8/26
10 Crimson Crisp- ripe about 9/10
10 Northern Spy- about 10/6
10 Red Winesap- about 10/24
10 Goldrush- about 11/10

The nursery is Adams County Nursery- very nice folks. Their reviews I saw online are all thumbs up with very good sized trees and good survival according to my friend.
Also got the root trapper bags coming for the Chinese Chestnuts germinating in the fridge. It's going to be a busy spring!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jan 12, 2015, 06:24:30 PM



             What are the root trapper bags for .....
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 13, 2015, 05:06:46 AM


             What are the root trapper bags for .....

For the Chinese Chestnut seed I have germinating in my refrigerator. They will start to germinate about Feb/March. Too early to put them in the ground, so I ordered these to plant them in to get them started. I've got April already packed with things to do so I can just let these guys grow in the bags at home until I have time to get them planted. Should ensure a better survival rate also.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jan 13, 2015, 05:42:31 PM


             I got a lot to learn to try and hock up the Grand Kids ; Going to try this stuff for them I probably won't see the results myself  But they will   ???
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Jan 14, 2015, 11:28:21 AM
Good idea mixing the apple trees up HW.

When did you order the Dunstans last year?

It seems like spring is coming in a hurry. I know that sounds weird but it will be here before you know it. I already pumped about next season, getting some good pics of bucks that survived.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 14, 2015, 03:14:12 PM
Good idea mixing the apple trees up HW.

When did you order the Dunstans last year?

It seems like spring is coming in a hurry. I know that sounds weird but it will be here before you know it. I already pumped about next season, getting some good pics of bucks that survived.

If you go to Chestnut Hill's (Realtree nursery) website, they will put up a list of Walmart stores they will be shipping to & the dates they are shipping to them. I bought mine like this last year. I will add a few more this spring-but most of the budget went into the apple trees this time. The Walmart list will probably be up in February- I'll post it here when I see it. Not all Walmart's get them though I know the Oneida store did last spring.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 16, 2015, 01:14:37 PM
The root trapper bags came in...


(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land1510_zpsbcc7d7c8.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land1510_zpsbcc7d7c8.png.html)


These guys should start to germinate in the next month or two-


(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land159_zps878b2fc1.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land159_zps878b2fc1.png.html)

Once they do, they will be planted in the bags in this mixture-

1 part perlite
1 part vermiculite
1 part ground peat moss
2 ounces (1/4 cup) lime (or to a ph of 6)

They get planted on their sides, about an inch deep. The bags "air prune" the roots, preventing them from growing into a circular ball that prevents proper growth when put in the ground. I will wind up with about .80 invested in each seedling. A much easier pill to swallow than the $29.95 the 2 year old potted trees go for. A great deal & satisfying to do... if it works!


Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Jan 16, 2015, 06:08:09 PM
Thanks again for the great info!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 22, 2015, 03:01:42 PM
Got a few seeds germinating already, though most haven't yet.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.22_zpsvet3z1wv.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.22_zpsvet3z1wv.png.html)

Decided to bag the few that have started, I will check the rest about once a week and bag them as they come ready. This season is for figuring out what seems to work best for them anyway...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.23_zpsrhpi5s2o.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.23_zpsrhpi5s2o.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jan 22, 2015, 05:55:36 PM
  Are they snapping in fridge or you got them out ; What the fridge doing slowing the germination process down
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 22, 2015, 07:54:36 PM
  Are they snapping in fridge or you got them out ; What the fridge doing slowing the germination process down

They are in the fridge (about 35 degrees) They require cold storage prior to germination. Seems kind of early to be starting them, but if they're ready- I'll give them a shot. There's plenty more left if it doesn't work out for these.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 23, 2015, 01:55:51 PM
Had a couple appointments cancel on me today- had time to do a ride on the land to check things out. The deer have cleaned up the buds on most of the tops I left for them. Got a couple big trees I've decided need to go to allow more light into a couple corners of the new plot- will drop them in the next week so those tops will carry them in February. Great day out! 30 degrees feels like a heat wave. Rode up on a group of 3- big doe, 2 year old & a fawn, then another group of 4- too thick to tell what they were but all look very healthy. This has been a pretty easy winter on them so far and at this point it's getting kind of late to get the deep snow that would last long enough to really bother them much. Had a grouse fly down about 20' from me on the way out- he scurried into a big pile. I wasn't far from the car- he got lucky I didn't have the shotgun in the trunk! Lots of coyote going through and some fox tracks too- a lot of critters out moving last week, the ground was showing all kinds of stories!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: buckblaster on Jan 25, 2015, 08:32:00 AM
Can't wait to buy a piece of land to do exactly what your doing. Its killing me watching you put this all together. I know exactly how I want everything planted just waiting on the realitor to find something. Your doing an awesome job. I've been looking at a lot of nurseries online to buy apple trees, blueberry plants etc. Willis orchard, Stark bros and Nature hills all have pretty decent products from what I can see. How big are the apple trees your getting from the Adams county nursery? The trees I'm looking at on willis orchards website are 5-6 feet tall or 6-7 foot. You can decide how big the saplings you want are. I'd like to get them a little bigger to hopefully increase survival. I'd like to buy around 15 apple trees and probably 3 white oaks.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 25, 2015, 12:22:25 PM
Can't wait to buy a piece of land to do exactly what your doing. Its killing me watching you put this all together. I know exactly how I want everything planted just waiting on the realitor to find something. Your doing an awesome job. I've been looking at a lot of nurseries online to buy apple trees, blueberry plants etc. Willis orchard, Stark bros and Nature hills all have pretty decent products from what I can see. How big are the apple trees your getting from the Adams county nursery? The trees I'm looking at on willis orchards website are 5-6 feet tall or 6-7 foot. You can decide how big the saplings you want are. I'd like to get them a little bigger to hopefully increase survival. I'd like to buy around 15 apple trees and probably 3 white oaks.

It's not easy... I looked at a LOT of land before this opportunity came up. You might have more luck looking on your own, depending on your agent. If the agent isn't regularly contacting you with options- you might be wasting time waiting on them. I had a neighbor I've never met send me a letter offering to buy all or part of my place for more than I paid for it. He got my info from the town clerk. Not interested in selling- but I would contact him first if I ever was to sell for some reason. It wouldn't hurt to send a letter out to people that own parcels you like- or even are hunting now- being proactive rather than waiting. I found that a lot of land that was "for sale" the people really didn't need or want to sell...unless someone was willing to pay them crazy money for it. Do some research so you know what a fair price is where you are. I'm going with Adam's nursery because a friend that owns a large orchard was kind enough to allow me to add to his order so I could get the same volume pricing he gets from them- about half the rate as for a small order. He has used many suppliers but claims they are the best. You can't beat someone at their own game- so I am taking every suggestion he gives me. His orchard is pretty productive. The tree's I saw that he got from them last time were about 5-6 feet tall, but his are on dwarf rootstock- mine are on a bigger rootstock better suited to my situation- Adam's was very helpful with all that when I talked to them and they have some great info & charts on their website to help determine which rootstock, ripening date, pollinators to use, etc. You can do 90% of what you need to do right and still get poor results- there's quite a bit to it all. The biggest thing to plan on is- expect to invest about twice as much as you paid in trees for fencing. If you don't protect them until they are mature- you're just wasting time and money. I didn't know how much I didn't know until I got into it. Best of luck with your land search. Mine took about 20 years- but it all came together at the right time, in retrospect. If you have any questions you think I may be able to help with feel free to PM me, I'd be happy to share anything I've learned along the way with you.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 25, 2015, 01:41:32 PM
One of the bags got knocked over earlier, cleaned up & put the seed back in- was kind of cool to see the growth in just a couple days...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.26_zps3h2wugkw.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.26_zps3h2wugkw.png.html)

A couple trees got dropped to allow more light into the orchard. Better now than deciding after the trees are in that they need to go. Looks like a cold snap the next couple weeks- the buds from these will make the herd happy for a little while...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.24_zpsijeihgam.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.24_zpsijeihgam.png.html)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.25_zpscn9g2gah.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.25_zpscn9g2gah.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jan 25, 2015, 03:41:13 PM


       They are coming along very very well , Can see I'll try that route come next year , Do I got to order those seeds this spring ..
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: joe snag on Jan 26, 2015, 02:13:53 PM
Whats the best seed to plant in the spring,,I have about 1/2 acre all set to go...
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 26, 2015, 03:10:13 PM
Whats the best seed to plant in the spring,,I have about 1/2 acre all set to go...

Just cleared it or ph adjusted & fertilized already too? Wish mine was ready... I've got a lot to do yet.

I'm going to use a food plot mix sold by this company...

http://merrittseed.com/ (http://merrittseed.com/)

You won't find info on it here on the website- their main business is hydroseeding stuff. But the owner is a big time hunter that developed the plot mix for his own plots & it works great, have had a plot of this mix on my place for 4 years- still a great draw. I like it because I can pick it up locally, it's made here, the owner is a great guy, it's not expensive, and... it works. Email or a call is the best way to get info on the food plot mix. They don't take plastic, I remember.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: buckblaster on Jan 30, 2015, 07:06:18 AM
Thanks for the info. We've been looking at land to put a house on for about 2 years. We had a piece but the guy backed out at the latest point possible. The new realitor is pretty good she sends us new stuff a couple times a week. I looked at some of the reviews for some of the online nurseries I was looking at. Not so sure I want to use an online nursery anymore. The reviews are aweful for most of them. (Nature hills, willis orchards and a few more). Hard to say some people might just not know what they're doing. I went to college for forestry. Keep up the good work. I enjoy watching the progress.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 30, 2015, 02:22:17 PM
Thanks for the info. We've been looking at land to put a house on for about 2 years. We had a piece but the guy backed out at the latest point possible. The new realitor is pretty good she sends us new stuff a couple times a week. I looked at some of the reviews for some of the online nurseries I was looking at. Not so sure I want to use an online nursery anymore. The reviews are aweful for most of them. (Nature hills, willis orchards and a few more). Hard to say some people might just not know what they're doing. I went to college for forestry. Keep up the good work. I enjoy watching the progress.

Thanks- sorry the deal fell through for you, I'll bet you wind up with something you like better though. I made a couple offers on a piece I really wanted that were rejected. That parcel is still for sale- they are now asking for what my last offer to them was 5 years ago. I am SO glad I didn't get that land now, I'm much happier with what I got instead. Sucks to be greedy- they are down to where I was price wise now and have paid over 10k in taxes in that 5 years also.

I checked the chestnuts for this weeks sprouts- really starting to go now-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.27_zpss63xk1wf.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.27_zpss63xk1wf.png.html)

Got them bagged and put with last weeks sprouts but ran out of potting mix, will finish up the rest later, they seems fine in the fridge as long as they are kept moist.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.28_zps9qt1wiac.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.28_zps9qt1wiac.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jan 30, 2015, 04:26:28 PM


    They look awesome all them are starting to sprout  ;D  How long they been out of the
    fridge or do they sprout in the fridge....
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jan 30, 2015, 09:42:40 PM

    They look awesome all them are starting to sprout  ;D  How long they been out of the
    fridge or do they sprout in the fridge....

They sprout in the fridge. I'm checking them once a week now and bagging them up as they come. Put a table up by the window so they'll be in the sunlight all day. Hope they'll do alright there until April/May when they get planted. Time will tell.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Feb 07, 2015, 10:55:58 AM
Just a little over 2 weeks since the first nuts were planted in the potting mix/root trapper bags. Just saw the first one emerging. The tap root shoots down about 5 inches and now the tops are starting to emerge. A little less than half the nuts have sprouted so far.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.29_zpsj8urmi5b.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.29_zpsj8urmi5b.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Raquettedacker on Feb 07, 2015, 11:19:38 AM
Pretty cool Tom...... 
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Feb 07, 2015, 03:43:20 PM



    They are doing great ; I'll have to try that come next fall , Get the grand kids set up  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Feb 13, 2015, 09:57:21 AM
Chestnut update-
I've got 80 potted so far, the germination rate of the seeds I bought seems to be about 60 percent-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.30_zpsb1csinef.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.30_zpsb1csinef.png.html)

This is the growth of the first one that emerged after one week. It takes about 2 weeks after a sprouted seed is potted before it emerges. So far, there are 9 up out of the dirt-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.31_zpsewyclpcc.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.31_zpsewyclpcc.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Feb 13, 2015, 04:01:43 PM


            :o  Boy that one looks great ; Sure bet the deer would thick so as well some tender eating    :) :)
                Where do I get them Spanish seeds from for me to try for next year ...
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Feb 14, 2015, 06:20:31 AM

            :o  Boy that one looks great ; Sure bet the deer would thick so as well some tender eating    :) :)
                Where do I get them Spanish seeds from for me to try for next year ...


[urlhttp://www.empirechestnut.com/catalog.htm][/url]
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Feb 21, 2015, 09:26:05 AM
Little guys are growing well... bet they are glad they are on the inside of the glass... -15 last night.
Tallest is about 8" now...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.32_zps2slmqv3p.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.32_zps2slmqv3p.png.html)

Took Cubby out this morning for a walk and noticed a few small burrs left on this Chinese Chestnut tree- I've walked by it many times without noticing. Something for these seedlings to aspire to- this tree is about 40 years old and I'm told drops nuts by the barrel full every fall... doesn't look like I'll need to order seed again!

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.33_zpsloxvagpk.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.33_zpsloxvagpk.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Feb 22, 2015, 06:14:29 PM
Looking good HW.

This snow can go away any time now. At least January there was not a lot of snow. I bet the coyotes are eating good.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Feb 22, 2015, 09:09:31 PM
Looking good HW.

This snow can go away any time now. At least January there was not a lot of snow. I bet the coyotes are eating good.

Not sure- there's no crust on the snow around here, I bet the coyotes are having a time of it getting around too. They had called for rain today then the next blast of cold, I'm really glad we didn't get that. They would have had plenty of crust but not enough for the deer- bad combo, especially now the deer have been in torpor for a month. A nice thaw will be welcome when it gets here!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Feb 23, 2015, 05:33:17 PM


            Them are some very great looking specimens coming along  :)  Sure bet I get a bunch to try for myself come fall  ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: mcully on Feb 24, 2015, 05:57:40 AM
Our dog was able to walk on the snow yesterday after the Sunday warm up. Yotes will be traveling on top soon if not already.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Feb 24, 2015, 08:24:45 AM
Our dog was able to walk on the snow yesterday after the Sunday warm up. Yotes will be traveling on top soon if not already.

A lot of "experts" claim the coyotes don't bother the deer much. This was the right ear of the buck I took last fall. I doubt he would've agreed with the experts. Those rips in his ear sure look like they came from canine teeth to me.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land14.139_zpscaubejeg.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land14.139_zpscaubejeg.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: hesseltine32 on Feb 24, 2015, 11:38:16 AM
Looks like he lucked out with the yote not so much with you though.  ;D

Yeah that does look like 2 canine teeth marks in the corners.  I was reading a qdma article about coyotes affecting deer populations a year ago or so. It was more on fawn survival rate with proper habitat increase survival rate. 

I always feel bad for the deer in March when they are so close to seeing spring but don't make it through. 
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Feb 24, 2015, 05:26:24 PM
 

         Yep I agree with you 2 ; He had a close call yote scare for , And hopefully he still had his antlers and stuck them with  one  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Feb 24, 2015, 07:53:07 PM
There have been several times that I have come across piles of deer hair when turkey hunting in the spring.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Feb 27, 2015, 04:58:21 PM
Checked a main trail today- just a mess of deer & coyote tracks mixed together. The coyotes are traveling up on top now too with ease.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Feb 27, 2015, 05:05:59 PM



           Flopped one of those bad boy's this morning with the Company truck , Swerved to the left and cathump and cathump   ;)  :) :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Feb 27, 2015, 05:12:17 PM
Checked a main trail today- just a mess of deer & coyote tracks mixed together. The coyotes are traveling up on top now too with ease.

Not good. Hopefully we get a nice gradual warm up soon.

At least the deer aren't going hungry. They were still hammering the acorns here up until the snow got really deep.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: buckblaster on Feb 27, 2015, 08:23:42 PM
Chestnuts are coming along nice. Theyre growing quick. What type of apples did you plant? Where they all crabapples
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Feb 27, 2015, 08:54:10 PM
Chestnuts are coming along nice. Theyre growing quick. What type of apples did you plant? Where they all crabapples

Yeah- you can see them get bigger by the day-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.35_zpshmzbacfv.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.35_zpshmzbacfv.jpg.html)

Last year I put in 34 crabapple, 4 different varieties. This spring I have 50 apple trees coming, 5 varieties, 10 of each. Along with about 150 chestnut seedlings, fencing, stocking & food plots... it's going to be a busy spring!

Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: buckblaster on Feb 28, 2015, 05:10:39 PM
Your going to be busy thats a lot of apple trees. I'm looking at a few different varieties Mcintosh and honey crisp for sure.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Mar 06, 2015, 08:21:16 AM
Another week of this unreal winter gone by. I see the long term forecast showing below freezing temps at night right through the first week in April with a couple exceptions. Going to be awhile before these go in the ground! Here is a pic that shows the difference in growth by the week...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.39_zpss1dqc1zp.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.39_zpss1dqc1zp.jpg.html)

I will be planting the last 50 seeds this weekend when the bags for them show up. I initially bought 100 bags for 182 seeds but the germination percentage was much higher than I expected (about 90%) so now I'll have 150 seedlings to place, total cost for these about $150, so about a buck per seedling. I had a friend ask "why aren't you going with all Dunstan chestnut?" There are quite a few reasons I'm giving these Chinese Chestnuts a shot... a big part of why is research I did into the differences between the two. The Dunstan tree's are being advertised & marketed HARD. This always makes me research the claims- in my business, when this is done, people that don't have a complete understanding of our industry are easily mislead by "experts" The people doing the slick marketing make LOTS of money convincing buyers to drop $10 on a $1 item, and make them feel warm and fuzzy about doing it. I genuinely would love to see the return of the American tree- but the Dunstan really doesn't do that. For my purposes- finding ways for the property to generate lots of food for the wildlife- the Chinese just makes more sense. It just doesn't have a marketing department drumming up hype.

1) Economics... I'm putting out 150 seedlings for $150. That same $ would get me less than 5- 2 year old Dunstan.
 150- 2 year old Dustan would cost $4,950... granted, these are seedlings vs 2 year olds, but still... the Dunstan has had the benefit of some slick advertising, but side by side with Chinese, I don't think Dunstan offers more as a food plot tree.

2) Hardiness... The Dunstan chestnut is getting some awesome marketing. They claim blight resistance, but if you research it, the more American the tree is, the more blight damage it will need to overcome. Even the Chinese are affected by the blight- but the damage to the tree is much less. There is no getting around dealing with the blight, it has an effect on ALL chestnut trees, no matter what is claimed. The Chinese is less affected than any other at this point in time.

3) Adaptable... the Chinese is an "understory" tree. It will do best in full sun- but it will grow & produce (but less than in full sun) when planted in the woods with partial sun. I have a lot of area to plant these in the woods- I think they will do better in the more shaded areas than the Dunstan would.

4) Comparable crop... there isn't a lot of difference in the qualities of the crop between the two from what I see and both start to produce nuts within about the same time frame. It seems that many years down the road the Dunstan may put out more nuts per tree, but it's hard to say. For sure though- 100 Chinese will out produce 50 Dunstan, and at a fraction of the cost.

5) Variety... I already have some Dunstan in place. Putting in the Chinese adds some variety. Most of my property is pretty steep. Not the kind of terrain you can do much with food plots, a very small percentage is level enough to work with. The good agricultural land is more than a mile either side of my place. The best way for me to draw and hold deer is going to be by pumping out as much hard & soft mast as I can given what I have to work with, and providing good sanctuary/bedding areas. There are quite a few beech and some red oaks that produce... but it's very inconsistent- some years, almost no crop. There are some wild apple and thornapple (hawthorn) there too, but the addition of dozens of crabapple & domestic apple trees will greatly add to the soft mast available. The severity of this winter has made me think of ways I can contribute to the herd going into winter with as much fat on them as possible. So that's this weeks update and my musings about the topic. Only time will really tell how it all pans out.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Raquettedacker on Mar 06, 2015, 09:04:36 PM
Isn't it nice to see green growth in the stinking winter..We have 2 big green houses full already and some plants are blooming allready....
Looks great Tom..
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Mar 07, 2015, 05:11:40 AM
Isn't it nice to see green growth in the stinking winter..We have 2 big green houses full already and some plants are blooming allready....
Looks great Tom..

Thanks Dom. It really is nice to have them growing here. I don't have much of a green thumb at all- I've put to death many house plants. But I look forward to checking these out everyday... they give me hope for Spring!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Mar 07, 2015, 06:48:43 AM


             Them are doing great now they are leafing out . Your doing a awesome job with them Tom   ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Mar 13, 2015, 10:29:36 AM
Another week gone by, that much closer to planting time! Snow depth is still over 3' going up the hill, it's going to be awhile.
Here is the link for the Dunstan trees-

[urlhttp://www.chestnuthilloutdoors.com/][/url]

They still don't have the list of Wal- Mart stores they are shipping to & the dates listed yet, but they should be on here soon.

I'm really impressed with the continued growth of the Chinese seedlings- check out the leaves of the first one up now- about 2 months old-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.43_zpsadfvhwhp.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.43_zpsadfvhwhp.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: joe snag on Mar 15, 2015, 09:32:10 AM
I can't wait to see the green popping up..
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Mar 15, 2015, 10:55:43 AM


            Those little buggers are doing great ; Can't wait to see them in the ground , How tall is that one
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Mar 16, 2015, 07:32:00 AM
I can't wait to see the green popping up..

Seems like it'll never get here this year. The first batch of seedlings planted are 2 months old now and are about 18" tall. The last batch were planted last week, so they should be about this size when they get planted in mid-May. I'm looking forward to planting time. The old timers say if the sun takes out the snow pack instead of rain it'll be a hot dry summer, either way I've planned where these are going to be- in spots I can access with the wheeler and the sprayer full of water if they need it. Last spring after I put the crab apple in it didn't rain for about a month, had to water them regularly or they never would've made it. After the first season and the roots are established I'm not too concerned, but you have to be able to water them the first year. I've enjoyed doing this- I'll be doing more next winter... it helped a bit with cabin fever.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 02, 2015, 08:59:22 AM
Changed up the line up a little for the apple tree shipment. They planned to ship on 4/13, but with over 18" of frozen crust still where these are going, I'm hoping they'll push it back a bit.

 Got 10 each coming of-

Ruby Macintoch , 9/3 ripening date
Crimson Crisp , 9/10
Freedom , 10/1
Northern Spy , 10/6
Goldrush , 11/10

The Chestnut seedlings are doing awesome. The first 50 are all between 18-24" tall now with leaves the size of my hand. No pics- phone isn't sending them for some reason. The next month is going to be pretty hectic... but it'll all get done. Just looked on the Chestnut Hill website- they won't have the dates & stores posted for when they are shipping Dunstan Chestnuts to Walmart until May.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Apr 03, 2015, 11:37:06 AM
That is a good mix of apple trees. Thanks for the update on Chestnut Hill.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 03, 2015, 02:54:44 PM
That is a good mix of apple trees. Thanks for the update on Chestnut Hill.

You bet! Just got back from a ride up the hill. Still too much snow in the area I'm putting the apple trees to clean up & get ready for them. There were a couple deer just up the hill where I planted the turnips, it was bare ground there and they were filling up on them. Didn't seem too concerned about me being there. Funny how that changes in the fall. Saw TONS of deer out feeding, the past week or so they seem to be out feeding non stop.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 03, 2015, 03:51:04 PM


    Sounding like you got them hooked already Tom ; Now they will be there for years to come ;
    I'd love to see the results of what you got going on years down the road when they are all
    producing  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 11, 2015, 09:44:36 PM
Finally, no snow and time to finish clearing for the orchard. Got all the stumps out except for the 2 biggest ones... they can stay and rot. Tree's will probably be in within the next week or so. Going to start them uphill and work down. Leaving the downhill nearest the tree line (shaded area) for ground cover and open so I can continue clearing down and to the south next season.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/SAM_0011_zpse41lazty.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/SAM_0011_zpse41lazty.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: hickgtx600f4 on Apr 11, 2015, 09:50:29 PM
Looking Good  8) Should dry up real quick being open like that. Great job!!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 12, 2015, 06:51:04 AM
             Boy that looks good real good ; Still have plenty of snow on the ground hear , But weather should brake this week  ;D

             How are the seedlings doing they still growing like crazy ... You think it might still be a little cold for them yet ...
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 12, 2015, 08:54:40 PM
They are still doing very well, about 3/4 of them (over 100) are big enough to go with full sized leaves. I'm going to follow Mother Natures lead and plant them when I see the maples leafed out- usually the second week in May.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/4b851d04-df89-4821-863e-e1cfb96f1e63_zpslcled5zi.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/4b851d04-df89-4821-863e-e1cfb96f1e63_zpslcled5zi.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 13, 2015, 06:31:41 AM

      :o :o  They look awesome they sure are doing great , You got one heck of a green thumb Tom
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Apr 13, 2015, 11:30:35 AM
That orchard looks great!

I still have snow in my food plot. I towed the wood splitter back there this weekend and almost buried the 4 wheeler! It should all be cleared out in a few days though.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: joe snag on Apr 15, 2015, 05:12:10 AM
Same here,too much snow to get to the food plot,going to add some lyme and npk soon,,snow up to my knees in the woods yet..
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: mcully on Apr 15, 2015, 06:36:47 AM
Must be the tulips are coming up. Walked out the front door this morning and got snorted at and had a flag flying.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 15, 2015, 01:47:30 PM
Must be the tulips are coming up. Walked out the front door this morning and got snorted at and had a flag flying.

Too bad there are no October blooming tulips... that would be a peaceful food plot to sit   8)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 17, 2015, 09:01:54 AM
Apple tree's will be in the end of next week- should be able to plant next weekend. Decided to go with Whitetail Institute clover mix for ground cover. Decided on this because apple trees require a lot of nitrogen. Many other options for ground cover require nitrogen as well, but clover actually adds nitrogen back to the soil so I figured they would compliment each other well. And... deer love clover! I will add some turnip seed again in August to the soil where I put the ash from the brush pile burns. For some reason, ash from the fire makes the turnips grow to about a softball and a half where the soil without ash they struggle to get to golf ball size. All the crab apple trees I planted last spring made it through the rough Feb/March we went through. They should start producing a little next year.

Copied this info from the Chestnut Hill website. Much different than last year when they gave very detailed information about which Walmart stores were getting what and exact dates instead of "mid-May"... They didn't have the "not taking orders" note on last year either. Seems like they might be selling enough on their own and may not really care about shipping to Walmart anymore. I'm sure they make more money selling through their own website....

"We are no longer taking orders for this Spring Season.

We will resume shipping for the Fall Season in September.
Orders can be placed on-line sometime this summer.
Check back with the website for status on ordering.

Thank you for your business!!



4/2/2015

Updated Information


Southern States Walmart Locations and shipping information

AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, OK, SC, TX

We will send out another email with the information
for the the Central States and Northern States
**read below


We are shipping the following trees
the week of APRIL 6th.


The trees should be arriving in the stores between April 9th-14th.

Please contact the stores ask to speak with the Garden Manager!



Not all of the stores will be receiving the same quantities or varieties.


(70) Dunstan Chestnut Trees 3 gallon (2yr old tree height 4-5')
 (9) Dunstan Chestnut Trees 7 gallon (3yr old tree height 5-6')
(10) Sawtooth Oaks 3 gallon ( 2 yr old height 7-8'
 (9) American or Oriental Persimmons Trees 7 gallon (3 yr old tree height 5-6')



Click Here for Southern Store Walmart List


The price of the trees will be determined by Walmart as they have purchased the trees from us.



**We will have the lists for the stores and locations for the
Central States (KY, MD, MO NC, TN, WV, VA) in April prior to shipping to the stores.

Northern States (IA, IL, IN, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WI)
 in May prior to shipping to the stores.

We will ship to the central states around
the Third week of April,
northern states around the middle of May  "
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 18, 2015, 03:32:37 PM


   How big were those crab apple trees they start producing that quick ; Them deer well love that ....
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 19, 2015, 04:28:10 PM
Beautiful dry conditions and everything is ready where the trees are going so I took advantage of the time I had and the good conditions to clear a real nasty spot of wild rose and thick scrub and seeded it with clover. Should work out well, supposed to be cool & rainy the next few days. Will pick up some oats to cover it with tomorrow. This spot is about 1/4 acre, found another spot about the same size slightly uphill, but on the way to the orchard area. Going to just keep creating edges and making good spots for bucks to cruise. Made a real nice wall of brush along this clover plot- I'll bet a grouse or two sets up camp here.   8)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 19, 2015, 04:36:11 PM


            You got a great set up coming along ; You got any spare time I could use a hand    :) 
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 20, 2015, 07:46:27 PM
Thanks GMH... spare time hasn't been an issue lately  :o

This is the first plot I scratched out this weekend- lost a nasty patch of wild rose & honeysuckle and planted the clover and oats as a cover crop for it. This is right on the edge of the Northern most bedding area...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/SAM_0022_zpslnlsskzy.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/SAM_0022_zpslnlsskzy.jpg.html)

Not sure how this one will do- it'll be a bit shaded. But I only had a little bit of time into ripping out the brush here and the cost of a little seed so I thought it was worth a shot.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.55_zpsjkyegsoj.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.55_zpsjkyegsoj.png.html)

 This is about 120 yards downhill from the other plot. I'm going to clear a trail from the first plot uphill a little bit, 100 yards or so towards the orchard, to the next place that is a jumbled mess right now but level enough with enough sun to do well and will do that one next. There is actually one other place before the orchard area that would work pretty well too so I'll probably do one there also. That will make a series of 4 small plots between the N bedding area and the orchard. I think the amount of edge being created will help all the game on the hill... time will tell.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: buckblaster on Apr 21, 2015, 04:40:26 PM
Your putting in a ton of work on that piece. Looks great. The woods look pretty thick in the background, got to be prime bedding territory. The seedling turned out great. How many did you end up with?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 21, 2015, 05:56:32 PM
Your putting in a ton of work on that piece. Looks great. The woods look pretty thick in the background, got to be prime bedding territory. The seedling turned out great. How many did you end up with?

 Thank you- I'm just glad the snow cleared out and to be able to get at it again! Wound up with 150 seedlings. Just got done cutting 10' long 1/2" conduit in half to 5' to drive in the ground and spray painted the top foot fluorescent orange so I can find them once everything greens up in case we get a drought and I need to find them to water them. They will need the support of the conduit the first couple years until the root system is well established. Also, the young trees are pretty flimsy until they are about 3-4 years old. The apple trees will be here within the next couple days. They are supposed to be self supporting but I decided they are each getting a 10' conduit buried 3.5' for support anyway. Also, after thinking about 100 ways of protecting them, I've decided to go with 5' high' - 3" x 5" concrete reinforcing mesh. It comes in 150' rolls and I'm going to get 10- 15' sections from each roll. This makes enough of a circumference to protect the limbs and the tree until it matures enough that most of the growth is out of reach. The wire is heavy enough gauge that I won't have to add T posts for support like I used with the crabapple trees. Cost per tree is about 11 bucks so it's more cost effective than 3x5 fencing that requires T posts also. The next month is going to be pretty busy- but I like how things are coming together.  8)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: joe snag on Apr 22, 2015, 05:32:52 AM
Hope to get into my food plot area soon and apply some lyme,,snow is almost gone from my lawn,another day or 2 it should be gone.still snow in the woods here...not much tough.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 22, 2015, 05:59:17 AM
Hope to get into my food plot area soon and apply some lyme,,snow is almost gone from my lawn,another day or 2 it should be gone.still snow in the woods here...not much tough.

Wow... 2 weeks past us. I was going stir crazy waiting as long as we did here. As long as you can get in there the lime can go right over the snow. Might even help melt the crap.   ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: joe snag on Apr 23, 2015, 05:20:59 PM
drove in today to the plot,,snowed hard allday,,Ice and snow in the road yet,but next week lyme will go down,,and plot food..
snowing very hard right now--yukkkkkkkkkkkk
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 23, 2015, 08:29:48 PM
Just got back from my place- no snow stuck down low but an inch or so about 100 yards up. Too cold for anything I put down to germinate yet- probably next week.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: joe snag on Apr 24, 2015, 11:43:15 AM
What size lyme should I get,,granular or pellets,,
more snow today....
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 24, 2015, 04:05:04 PM
What size lyme should I get,,granular or pellets,,
more snow today....

Either will work- pellets last longer, help the fertiler be more effective. Sometimes it takes quite a bit, sometimes none is needed... did you do a soil sample?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: joe snag on Apr 25, 2015, 05:36:20 AM
Either will work- pellets last longer, help the fertiler be more effective. Sometimes it takes quite a bit, sometimes none is needed... did you do a soil sample?
I did last year but never applied any,i'll get another sample this week,,up here theres an acid problem,Lakes get it bad from the rain.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 25, 2015, 07:21:19 AM
Got my Chestnut trees yesterday Tom  :) :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 25, 2015, 03:35:06 PM
Got my Chestnut trees yesterday Tom  :) :)

Cool! Where'd you get them from? What kind?  Just got back from digging the holes & setting the conduit for support for the apple trees. Trees were supposed to be here by yesterday- got a message at 4 pm yesterday that it's Monday now. Oh well... have to take a little time off   8)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 25, 2015, 05:02:33 PM
Cool! Where'd you get them from? What kind?  Just got back from digging the holes & setting the conduit for support for the apple trees. Trees were supposed to be here by yesterday- got a message at 4 pm yesterday that it's Monday now. Oh well... have to take a little time off   8)
I got mine from Gurneys , They are the Chinese Superior ; Called them and said to planet them as soon as you can dig and work the ground
but with the new 4" of the white stuff  >:(   So hope it melts buy Monday will try to put them in while they are still dormant . So tomorrow got to
go to the shop and get the wire mesh . Can't wait to see how they will do in this area  :) You think it is to early ?  , How about those square tubes do I put them around them now or in the fall 
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 26, 2015, 03:07:17 AM
I haven't used the grow tubes but I think they are used year round. I'm sure being dormant they can go in now. I'm waiting to do mine because they are all leafed out. I bought 1/2 conduit and cut them to 5' to put in for support- you will probably want to add something to support them- they are kind of flimsy until they get bigger. Good luck!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 26, 2015, 03:50:18 PM
Got 40 holes & poles prepped in the big orchard yesterday and made a place for 8 more apple trees in the new little clearing earlier today. Still looking for the right spot for the last two. Also started whittling away at the thick scrub about 80 yards uphill from this clearing where the next plot is going. Fixed a few places in the road to help get the water off sooner and pulled a beautiful dry old hickory tree down front to cut up for a good friend. 60' of no limbs and dry as a bone- primo firewood!

Here's the new little plot- all prepped for trees...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.56_zpsw4qwsptt.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.56_zpsw4qwsptt.png.html)

And the main orchard area- before holes & posts...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.59_zps56sgfujg.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.59_zps56sgfujg.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: chuckrudy on Apr 26, 2015, 06:36:03 PM
Nice
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Deposit on Apr 26, 2015, 07:22:35 PM
Looking good Hollywood. I had a soil test done this year...I need NO lime! My PH is perfect, and here I have been stocking up for this years planting, I have 1200 pounds stored in the garage LOL
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 27, 2015, 06:50:40 AM
Looking good Hollywood. I had a soil test done this year...I need NO lime! My PH is perfect, and here I have been stocking up for this years planting, I have 1200 pounds stored in the garage LOL

All dressed up and no place to go!  There's something you don't see on Craigslist everyday... but I bet it would sell on there.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 27, 2015, 08:55:33 AM


             :o  :o  Does that look sweat ; That is going to make one heck of a HONEY HOLE  right there  :) :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 28, 2015, 08:23:18 PM
Had a bit of a delay with the apple trees. They're in, but I bought them through a group of commercial growers. They are palletized & shrink wrapped and in a cool pole barn waiting for the growers grounds to dry up a bit more. Might be another week or two. Figured I better get started on getting the chestnut trees in because I won't be able to do it all at once. The forecast looks decent for at least the next two weeks (no freezing temps) so... in they go. After getting some in this evening, I'm glad I got started. I can do 3- maybe 4 an hour by the time you locate the right spot and go through all the steps. Adds up to about 45-50 hours of planting time for 150 trees.

 Here's one of the first out of the nest-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/SAM_0031_zpsdjjvrmjm.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/SAM_0031_zpsdjjvrmjm.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Apr 29, 2015, 04:27:40 AM


        Looks much better in that spot now with the little guy  :)  What is the black thing made of holding him ; Mine going in this weekend  :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Apr 29, 2015, 05:59:45 AM

        Looks much better in that spot now with the little guy  :)  What is the black thing made of holding him ; Mine going in this weekend  :)

I just took some landscaping weed guard fabric I had and cut it into strips then stapled it in place. A piece of duct tape holds it to the conduit to keep it from slipping down. It acts like a sling, it's not tight to the tree. Some of the longer trees got two strips. The conduit will work well- I cut 10 footers in half. They are about 3.5' high after driving them in the ground. Some of the trees won't need support when they get taller- but I learned last year from planting the 2 year old trees that some will need up to 8' for support. The conduit will make it easy next year to add height for support where it's needed. Have fun planting yours!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 03, 2015, 06:28:17 AM
Apple trees finally going in this weekend!   8)  Got some good direction with Dad there to help... always good to have him there. Got 31 in yesterday, 20 more to go today. I learned not to pre-dig the holes, it's drier than a popcorn fart now and requires three times as much water (which I have to haul) as it would have. The man I got the trees through is planting 1,200 today  :o  They obviously are doing it a little differently than I am. Watched 4 gobblers & 8 hens head to roost late last night on the way out. My buddy and his 9 year old son are up there after them now so I'm having an extra cup of coffee and taking my time this morning hoping they connect. We've been texting... gobblers North & South of them and had a couple deer go through so far.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.64_zpsbovvubqc.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.64_zpsbovvubqc.jpg.html)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.65_zpsipnoaupq.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.65_zpsipnoaupq.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on May 03, 2015, 04:15:43 PM

        Thatah boy good seeing you bringing the boss to make sure things are going smoothly hehe   :) :)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on May 04, 2015, 11:40:11 AM
Good stuff HW!

We could use some rain. I plan on doing some watering tonight unless we get this rain.

Looks like the Dunstan Chestnuts won't be shipped to the Northern Stores for a little while. I still have a bit more clearing to do before I can plant trees anyway.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 05, 2015, 08:54:43 PM
Good stuff HW!

We could use some rain. I plan on doing some watering tonight unless we get this rain.

Looks like the Dunstan Chestnuts won't be shipped to the Northern Stores for a little while. I still have a bit more clearing to do before I can plant trees anyway.

Rain seems to be missing us every time. Stopped tonight after work, still good and cool/damp just under the dust. Got 18 caged- the concrete mesh is so much easier than using 3x5 wire fencing and T posts like I used last year. I'll have the rest finished with a couple more hours in.

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.67_zpsa9eboluf.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.67_zpsa9eboluf.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Raquettedacker on May 05, 2015, 08:58:46 PM
Its been really dry Tom..  I think we are 8" below normal..   We need a good soaking....
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on May 06, 2015, 04:12:11 AM



         Looks good Tom ; Got mine in last weekend wire mesh going on this weekend   ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 09, 2015, 04:57:37 PM
All trees have screen around the bases and 15' circles of 5' tall concrete mesh around them. Conduit has been labeled to identify them.  8)  Spread the clover, chicory & oats in the dust and covered with peat moss... I sure hope we get the rain they're calling for. I've had a couple buddies bring their kids out to kill one of the big dumb gobblers that are up there. They keep seeing hens... every time I go- banging, clanging and all- I see 2-4 gobblers within 40 yards... every time! I need to  get them to sleep in, make LOTS of noise, and act like they're not interested in shooting turkeys. It's a surefire tactic apparently. This smaller plot seems to always have something in it. As dry as it's been- the clover and oats have germinated and aren't dead yet...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.72_zps6do2hiar.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.72_zps6do2hiar.jpg.html)

Cell phone pic... 2 big old red & blue jelly heads...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.70_zpsvpmxd3sd.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.70_zpsvpmxd3sd.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on May 10, 2015, 06:16:23 AM


          Had to give mine a drink yesterday can't wait to long for the rain to happen ; At least they will get a good soaking ...
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Raquettedacker on May 12, 2015, 06:03:55 AM
I was driving the Thruway out your way yesterday Tom and I'm pretty sure you got some rain..... ::) ::)       ;D ;D
Twice traffic slowed to 50mph... >:(
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 12, 2015, 08:25:56 AM
I was driving the Thruway out your way yesterday Tom and I'm pretty sure you got some rain..... ::) ::)       ;D ;D
Twice traffic slowed to 50mph... >:(

Yes... should be set for awhile   8)  stopped on the way by last night in between downpours- it's amazing the effect it had on the small plot that had germinated but wasn't doing much- just popped up & green! New apple trees are leafing out too. The wild trees are covered in blossoms- hope there's no frost tomorrow night- looks like its going to be close. This is very similar to last spring so far.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 15, 2015, 03:50:07 PM
A couple pics showing growth from last spring's planting.

This Dunstan chestnut was less than 4' tall when planted- over 7' now These seemed to spend last growing season establishing roots- they all are sprouting a lot of new branches now. This particular one is a bit scimpy in the middle but a lot of shoots are coming-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.78_zpsdpe82ju9.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.78_zpsdpe82ju9.jpg.html)

These crab apple were less than 18" twigs when they went in last spring. These were from Morse- only lost one of 34 and I'm very happy with the growth of these so far-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.83_zpsmarnx8og.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.83_zpsmarnx8og.jpg.html)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.79_zpsq22fwogr.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.79_zpsq22fwogr.jpg.html)

This little chestnut was from Morse also- not much more than a twig when it was planted- it is filling out nicely...

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.81_zpssq6vr2y7.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.81_zpssq6vr2y7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on May 15, 2015, 04:34:06 PM



                  Them Have really come along really really well    :)  I sure do hope mine well do as good as them  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 16, 2015, 02:38:17 PM
I'm sure they will GMH... of course- I didn't take pics of the ones that didn't make it! 

The main orchard is finally done & caged... chicory, clover and oats have germinated-

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.85_zpsko4wy5qu.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.85_zpsko4wy5qu.jpg.html)

Had some good help putting in another 24 chestnut trees this morning. This makes 96 in so far, just a few dozen left. Home seems kind of empty with everyone leaving. Like the kids going off to school again!

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.84_zpsxe1gqgke.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.84_zpsxe1gqgke.jpg.html)

Now it's finally time to back off- let stuff grow- and maybe even fish a little!   8)

Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Raquettedacker on May 16, 2015, 07:25:13 PM
Just awesome Tom..  Its been great following your progression. And boy you have come a long way...Very cool... ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 16, 2015, 09:42:31 PM
Just awesome Tom..  Its been great following your progression. And boy you have come a long way...Very cool... ;D

Thank you Dom! It's rewarding to finally have this section how I wanted it. Hard to remember now how it was when I started on it, but I do remember a section you couldn't even walk through. It'll be a lot easier now to whittle away at what's left as I get around to it... after the next two smaller plots are cleared.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on May 18, 2015, 06:50:47 PM
The dunstan chestnuts were shipped to my local Walmart this weekend. I kept asking the garden dept manager if he knew when they would be in and he had no idea they were even coming.

They shipped exactly what the chestnut hill website said. I snatched up every 7 gallon tree they had. When I picked them up the manager asked if I worked for Walmart because he couldn't figure out how I knew when they were coming and how many they were getting.  ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 19, 2015, 05:35:33 AM
The dunstan chestnuts were shipped to my local Walmart this weekend. I kept asking the garden dept manager if he knew when they would be in and he had no idea they were even coming.

They shipped exactly what the chestnut hill website said. I snatched up every 7 gallon tree they had. When I picked them up the manager asked if I worked for Walmart because he couldn't figure out how I knew when they were coming and how many they were getting.  ;D

Nice! I hope they do great for you. How much are they now?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on May 20, 2015, 05:22:09 AM
Nice! I hope they do great for you. How much are they now?

The 7 gallon trees are $40 and the 3 gallon trees are $30. That is less than what Chestnut Hill shows on their website. I was surprised to see the Central Square Walmart on the list. That worked out very well for me.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 20, 2015, 05:48:04 AM
The 7 gallon trees are $40 and the 3 gallon trees are $30. That is less than what Chestnut Hill shows on their website. I was surprised to see the Central Square Walmart on the list. That worked out very well for me.

Yes, I saw that. They weren't last year. I didn't see any of the bigger ones last year- only 3 gallon. you'll be off to a good start! Are you fishing the pickerel tourney this weekend?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on May 20, 2015, 12:16:09 PM
Yes, I saw that. They weren't last year. I didn't see any of the bigger ones last year- only 3 gallon. you'll be off to a good start! Are you fishing the pickerel tourney this weekend?

I am on call for work and I need to stick fairly close to home so I won't be in that tourney. I bet that one is a lot of fun, not serious like these walleye tourneys. When my son is a little older I think I will get into it.

I might sneak out one morning for a bit and try to fool a couple of eyes into becoming dinner though.  ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 20, 2015, 08:29:44 PM
I am on call for work and I need to stick fairly close to home so I won't be in that tourney. I bet that one is a lot of fun, not serious like these walleye tourneys. When my son is a little older I think I will get into it.

I might sneak out one morning for a bit and try to fool a couple of eyes into becoming dinner though.  ;D

You don't have much trouble fooling eyes! I'm really looking forward to hitting Oneida for the first time this weekend. If not for working on camp... I'd have been out pretty much every day since the opener, way overdue. Good luck out there!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on May 21, 2015, 11:30:09 AM
You don't have much trouble fooling eyes! I'm really looking forward to hitting Oneida for the first time this weekend. If not for working on camp... I'd have been out pretty much every day since the opener, way overdue. Good luck out there!

It should be a good weekend and the bite is getting pretty good. Have fun!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on May 26, 2015, 04:48:59 PM
Have you thought about using the grow tubes? It sounds like they work really well on Chestnut trees. The growth rates are unreal. From what I read they are not the best for apple trees though.  :-\
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 26, 2015, 08:16:24 PM
Have you thought about using the grow tubes? It sounds like they work really well on Chestnut trees. The growth rates are unreal. From what I read they are not the best for apple trees though.  :-\

I didn't try them with the 3 gallon Dunstan from last year or the Chinese seedlings from this year. I will probably try some on next springs seedlings. The seedlings I planted early in full sun are pretty much toast. The ones with some shade are doing ok- but those I planted after all leaves were out good and right in the woods are doing great. They are naturally an understory tree, so it makes sense. Next year I'll try some grow tubes to see what difference it makes in various conditions. Just got done making a small clearing in a good spot- had a doe watching me for a good 30 minutes from about 45 yards away- like having a cheerleader! Had 8 turkeys in the orchard- 3 good gobblers. My buddy is bringing his daughter again this weekend- hope they score her first! They're in the big orchard now almost all the time.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on May 26, 2015, 08:47:13 PM
I hope she gets a bird this weekend. Turkeys seem dumb until you put camo on and grab a shotgun.  ;D

It is interesting that they say the chestnuts need full sun. It would make more sense that they do better in filtered sun. My plots are small so they don't get full sun all day anyway. Maybe that is a good thing.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 27, 2015, 06:57:37 AM
I hope she gets a bird this weekend. Turkeys seem dumb until you put camo on and grab a shotgun.  ;D

It is interesting that they say the chestnuts need full sun. It would make more sense that they do better in filtered sun. My plots are small so they don't get full sun all day anyway. Maybe that is a good thing.

I planted last years 3 gallon Dunstan's in full sun- they're doing great in it. It's the full Chinese that cooked. Almost every thing you read says full sun for them. Could be the larger trees can handle it better than seedlings? Just about the time I get this figured out... I'll be done putting them in.  :P  I'd like to eventually wind up with 500-600 mature trees in the area I have in mind for them though, so it'll be awhile. I may try throwing a few Chinkapin variety in the mix next year also. Smaller nut- better for turkeys & grouse. I may try row planting some Chinese in the shade next year until they're larger and transplant them as 2 or 3 year olds. In the meanwhile for this year I'm just clearing areas off the logging roads without mature trees, as little as 20' x 20' , some a couple times that size, creating as much edge as the situation allows. The goal is to get more growth at ground level- not all 100' up in the air. Trying to remove just firewood trees and smaller stuff for now, not the good lumber.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 28, 2015, 09:12:50 PM
Had an old pump, hoses & wiring kicking around so I ran everything after work and brought the generator up. Wasn't too worried about the apple trees- but the clover, chicory & oats didn't look too happy in the dust and in case we get a drought I wanted everything in place ahead of time. Works great- going to set up a splitter so I can run a couple sprinklers at a time. Ground cover will be lush soon.   8)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/IMG_2537_zpslqllgwg5.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/IMG_2537_zpslqllgwg5.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on May 29, 2015, 03:39:16 AM



                  Things looking great  Tom     ;D ;D    What are the white things around the trees
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 29, 2015, 05:19:06 AM


                  Things looking great  Tom     ;D ;D    What are the white things around the trees

The long skinny things are 10' conduit sunk 3.5 feet for support. Near the ground is window screen mesh for protecting the trunk from mice. Running water is about one of the coolest things in the world where you haven't had any!   ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on May 29, 2015, 04:37:20 PM


                 Thank you Tom ; My little buggers are doing very very well have grown about 5"  some are leaved out
                  and some are still budded  but are ready to pop  ;  Hope my green thumb is as good as yours      ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on May 30, 2015, 10:53:19 AM
Good idea on getting the water ready HW. Luckily the forecast looks good for the next few days. We need a good dose of rain.

I got my trees planted and put down weed matts and caged them. The directions say don't fertilize them at planting. When did you fertilize your dunstans last year?
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 30, 2015, 12:27:11 PM
A couple weeks after they went in. Just once as you don't want them in growth mode in fall when it's time for them to shut down for winter. Just got home from camp. I was sitting and taking it easy waiting for Dad to get there and had this big doe walk through hitting the new ground cover already.  Should be better pickings for her and her buddies soon. Had a beautiful gobbler walk through behind her. My buddy and his daughter are trying again tomorrow- I told him to get in Dad's hut if it's nasty. The bird that came through would've been about a 12 yard shot. I'm excited for her to shoot her first bird ... sure hope they connect!

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.98_zpsdfysazrs.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.98_zpsdfysazrs.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on May 31, 2015, 06:39:41 AM


        Her and her buddies sure love what you have been doing in the area ; They taking notice   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Jun 12, 2015, 09:42:16 PM
I guess we don't have to worry about watering those trees for a while.  :o

Did you leave the bamboo sticks with the trees or not? They say to remove them but I have left them in for now.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jun 13, 2015, 06:31:33 AM
About half the trees I got I don't think would have survived the first moderate wind without some support, I left them in too. I had one I lopped off because it was too top heavy and another I should have but didn't. The one I pruned has bushed out and is doing great- the other is getting pruned this winter, it will never make it through any kind of wind on its own the way it is. Heading up now to see how badly the hail & wind beat things up yesterday afternoon. My place was about smack dab in the middle of the worst of the cells that blew through.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jun 14, 2015, 06:38:25 AM
Things got roughed up a bit... but no real bad damage. Had to get the chainsaw out just to get up though- a few trees down. One took out one of the Dunstan chestnut trees I planted last year. One good bottom branch is intact so I'm going to try to train it into the central leader, it's worth a shot. A lot of game was out- saw a mother grouse with her brood on one of the trails on the way up. They were on the side about 5 feet from me- she flew up about 8' and right back down, followed by all her tiny puff ball chicks. I couldn't believe they got air bound, they are about the size of sparrows. Saw deer, turkeys...everything was out.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jun 14, 2015, 06:49:20 AM
Hope that one will come back to life for you Tom ; Mine are doing great so far  ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jun 17, 2015, 04:47:29 PM
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.125_zpsxtxpwnlj.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.125_zpsxtxpwnlj.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Jun 19, 2015, 11:49:16 AM
At least we don't have to water those new tress!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: buckblaster on Jun 19, 2015, 04:26:35 PM
Plenty of water thats for sure. Put my order in for 32 apple trees, 5 pear, 60 blueberrys and an undecided amount of raspberries. Going with cortland, honeycrisp and mcintosh for the apples. A few crabs will be planted eventually.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jun 19, 2015, 07:16:21 PM
Plenty of water thats for sure. Put my order in for 32 apple trees, 5 pear, 60 blueberrys and an undecided amount of raspberries. Going with cortland, honeycrisp and mcintosh for the apples. A few crabs will be planted eventually.
Got to make sure you have the right pollinator trees to go with what you want ; Mac's like Liberty's , Hollywood  can really help you out on that ....
Trees are like Women you never now what they are thinking  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jun 20, 2015, 05:36:49 AM
Plenty of water thats for sure. Put my order in for 32 apple trees, 5 pear, 60 blueberrys and an undecided amount of raspberries. Going with cortland, honeycrisp and mcintosh for the apples. A few crabs will be planted eventually.

Sounds awesome- hope to see some pics!

GMH... I know enough to ask people that know what they're doing for help but that's about all. The apple trees are doing awesome in the new orchard,.. but only because I'm following the direction of my friend that has an orchard and the advice I got from the nursery where I bought them. Best advise was to lop them off- right in half- right after planting. They said because you lose about half the roots when they are harvested you don't want half the roots trying to support the whole tree. It was hard to go around and cut them all in half... but the way the new growth is exploding from them now- I'm glad I listened. If I tried this just doing what I thought was right- it wouldn't be pretty!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: buckblaster on Jun 20, 2015, 04:06:18 PM
Mcintosh will cross pollinate with crabapples and native apple trees. I asked the owner of the nursery about the mcintosh and he said most apple trees will pollinate with wild apples. Theres a lot to it thats for sure.Definetly don't want to be afraid to ask. When I go back im going to see if he'll show me how he prunes his.. Even with the blueberrys, they're the same way.Certain ones only pollinate with this type and on and on. I'll get some pictures when I get it going. Working on the soil now
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Jun 22, 2015, 09:29:11 PM
About half the trees I got I don't think would have survived the first moderate wind without some support, I left them in too. I had one I lopped off because it was too top heavy and another I should have but didn't. The one I pruned has bushed out and is doing great- the other is getting pruned this winter, it will never make it through any kind of wind on its own the way it is. Heading up now to see how badly the hail & wind beat things up yesterday afternoon. My place was about smack dab in the middle of the worst of the cells that blew through.

I had one tree snap off this week even with the bamboo stake. The top peice of tape broke and the tree snapped about 3' up. I cut it off clean and I am hoping that it grows back out next year.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jul 26, 2015, 09:38:18 AM


           Boy am I ticked off  >:(  Had a storm come threw and snapped one of my seedlings off ; Taped it up but think it has had it
           the other 4 are doing great ... How are yours holding up Tom
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jul 27, 2015, 02:03:49 PM
Things are doing pretty well. About a quarter of the Chinese chestnut seedlings didn't make it. Another quarter of them are so-so. and about half are doing very well. The Dunstan's from last year are all doing very well, except for the one that got hit by a falling maple. All the domestic apple trees are growing like crazy. The crabapple have all grown out of the cages and are being browsed- have to spray the stinky stuff on them next trip. All in all- everything is growing right along as hoped for. It's going to get interesting in a few years as mast begins to fall. I'm seeing more deer sign for this time of year than I did a couple years back too. The clearing & ground plantings are making a difference already. Got 70 or so pumpkin plants along side of the new orchard- curious to see how they draw this fall. I've heard good & indifferent reviews of them as a plot food. Time will tell.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Green Mountian Hunter on Jul 27, 2015, 04:51:09 PM



                Those pumpkins will treat you well ; They like them very well up here when they are gone buy soft and Moshe seems to be the best   ;)


Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Raquettedacker on Jul 27, 2015, 05:10:54 PM
Tom we used to plant 1 1/2 acre's of pumpkins to sell. All the ones we left in the field we found out the deer  wont touch them till they froze and we brush hogged them...
Just what I have seen....    :-\
If you want to plant something good. I know its to late now but red sugar beets are the best..  You can add some turnips in with them.....    ;)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jul 27, 2015, 08:50:49 PM
Tom we used to plant 1 1/2 acre's of pumpkins to sell. All the ones we left in the field we found out the deer  wont touch them till they froze and we brush hogged them...
Just what I have seen....    :-\
If you want to plant something good. I know its to late now but red sugar beets are the best..  You can add some turnips in with them.....    ;)

I'll try them next year... I know just the place for them!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Aug 19, 2015, 07:09:05 PM
Other projects have kept me from getting the orchard mowed. Planted clover & chicory on the ground with oats as a cover crop. Should have taken a before pic- it was a jungle. Got a new brush mower for going around the cages first then brush hogged a bit on the high side. Dry as a popcorn fart- but with rain on the way I figured it was a good time. Clover and chicory should bounce back in good shape for October. New mover is a beast. I have a lot of places it will come in handy. Trees are in great shape- but I'm glad rain is on the way.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.241_zpskr7euwgu.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.241_zpskr7euwgu.jpg.html)

(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.240_zps56ar5evy.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.240_zps56ar5evy.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Aug 19, 2015, 08:39:12 PM
Mowing is really important I think. I bought a tow behind mower a few years ago and it really helps.

I replanted my food plot with some fresh clover last week. It should be looking good by the time bow season opens.

This rain is coming at a perfect time too.
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Sep 11, 2015, 12:02:29 PM
Chinese chestnut update-

Putting the puzzle together for successful establishment of the 500-600 Chinese chestnut I hope to establish. The trees I planted the earliest are doing the worst. The later I put them in- the better. It makes sense- because the established ones leaf out way later than the maples and oaks do. Going to try another 200 or so this winter. I will be more patient in getting them in the ground in 2016 and will wait for these ones to leaf out before I put in the 2016 batch. They really didn't get much more height than they had at planting time, but the trunks got thicker and "woodier". I suspect most energy was expanded establishing the root system. They didn't seem to be too adversely affected by the month long drought that just ended.

Here is an example of one planted in early May 2015... This tree never was exposed to frost.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.258_zpscqvop3ai.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.258_zpscqvop3ai.jpg.html)

These are a couple that didn't go in until late May. Full sun or mostly shaded didn't seem to change the growth rate. I'm glad to see this because I have a whole lot more wooded area than area with full sun. The first was in almost full sun- the second was in the hardwoods.
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.259_zpspgopm8bn.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.259_zpspgopm8bn.jpg.html)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.260_zpsoyvw0pjl.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.260_zpsoyvw0pjl.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: hunts2long on Sep 12, 2015, 04:31:17 AM
Keep in mind that early spring, into May, we had very little rain. Whereas, June we had a lot of rain. They are looking good....h2l
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Sep 12, 2015, 09:44:42 AM
Keep in mind that early spring, into May, we had very little rain. Whereas, June we had a lot of rain. They are looking good....h2l

I remember it well. I spent almost a month hauling water to all these trees. Then June came ... and we set a record for wettest June ever. By the end of July, I had the food plot area cleared and leveled. Planted the seed. And not one drop of rain fell for over a month. Bright sun & HOT every day. Had rain as close as an 1/8 mile away, but none hit my place. Watching the radar constantly. Spent hours every day after work keeping things damp there. Did the dance of joy last Thursday when we finally got rain! Sure way to a drought is to have me plant something.
Part of the new plot...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/land15.261_zpszvznrgvu.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/land15.261_zpszvznrgvu.png.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Sep 12, 2015, 06:11:55 PM
That plot is looking great for the lack of rain!
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: hunts2long on Sep 12, 2015, 07:03:14 PM
We are getting some rain now...h2l
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on May 25, 2016, 10:12:22 PM
Orchard update... That expansion I wanted to continue in order to remove the dying ash trees got wrapped up today. After clearing an acre by hand and with limited equipment it was a pleasure to have the right tools and guys on the job today...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/image_zpsfzbgednt.jpeg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/image_zpsfzbgednt.jpeg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: Hollywood on Jul 06, 2017, 04:31:17 PM
Thought I'd update for the guys that were doing the same plantings...
Catkins!!!
The nuts I use to cultivate next years seedlings will come off of my own trees. So rewarding to see these...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/IMG_1653_zpsj9mqwks7.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/IMG_1653_zpsj9mqwks7.jpg.html)nn

Second season for the apple trees. Most have fruit...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c246/tomhollywood/IMG_1651_zps91vq587z.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/tomhollywood/media/IMG_1651_zps91vq587z.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Jul 07, 2017, 11:32:57 AM
That is great news HW!

I planted a bunch of apple trees this spring from the Saratoga nursery. Most of them are doing well so far. The best part is that I haven't needed to water them so far this year.  ;D
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: joe snag on Jul 12, 2017, 06:50:42 PM
how much a piece and what kind..
Title: Re: Post season scouting/ spring planting prep
Post by: reeleyz on Jul 17, 2017, 11:54:05 AM
I got 25 apple and 25 plum trees. $60 for 50 trees with shipping. You can't go wrong there. Most of them have survived the monsoon rain too.
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