NORTHERN MICHIGAN – With spring right around the corner, what better time to determine what you may want to plant this year?
Whether you are planning to plant a single tree or multiple there are benefits but also some things to consider. The first step in planting is selecting a location, once you have this location picked out there are some questions you should ask yourself:
Does this area get more sunlight or shade in the winter? What about in the spring, summer, and fall?
Is the soil wet? Does it dry out quickly? Is it somewhere between dry and wet?
What is my goal for this planting? Shade, a windbreak, shelter or food for wildlife, timber, erosion control, or restoring a poor-quality site?
Are there other trees around and if so what are they?
Asking these questions can help you identify what growing conditions your tree or shrub will have. Once you know these conditions you can begin selecting trees and shrubs that may meet your objectives.
Trees can often grow in a wide range of conditions; however, they tend to have optimal conditions. There is a right place for the right tree.
Join Joellen, for a Tree/shrub planting and Selection workshop to help landowners understand proper planting techniques, understanding species habitat requirements, along with the benefits that these species provide wildlife. There will be two workshops will be held one on March 9th, at the AuSable River Center, 211 N. Main St. Roscommon, MI 48653, from 5pm-7pm or on March 10th, at the Education centers, 459 Livingston Blvd. Gaylord MI, from 5pm to 7pm. There will be time to ask questions and schedule FREE site visits for those interested. Please RSVP for these events by calling (989)-732-4021 or emailing jsaugrich@otsegocountymi.gov.
The Otsego, Crawford and Roscommon Conservation Districts offer the landowners of those counties free technical service through the Forest Assistance Program. District Forester, Joellen is able to provide private landowners with technical assistance regarding forestry, wildlife habitat, and related natural resource concerns, so that they are able to make informed decisions and implement sound strategies related to the use and management of their forestlands. If you have any questions or are interested in managing your property, call (989)-732-4021 or email jsaugrich@otsegocountymi.gov to schedule a free site visit.
