Arboretum Update 2023

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[kevinwillis]

if you mulch round those trees for 3 or 4 feet the growth would be a lot better because the young tree wouldnt have to compete with the grass for nutrients and water.

[cs]

That long drone shot slowly pulling away from your home and showing the surrounding countryside was a marvelous way to end this week's video.

[johnbower]

Awesome. You’re out standing in your field

[demmertp]

I agree with clearing out the grass around the seedlings. I think the recommended technique would be to clear about a 3 foot diameter around a seedling to give it a better chance to grow without competing with the grass for moisture. A clear area around the seedling will also deter rodent damage as they are exposed to predators within that cleared area. Here in PA I have switched from growing seedlings in tubes to wire cages to protect from deer browse. The tubes tend to make the seedlings weak to wind stresses and when they outgrow the tubes they have trouble standing upright. In a wire cage (1 foot diameter) the seedling will get pushed around by the winds and will grow stronger to resist those forces. Rodent damage over winter that occurs while the voles and mice are under the snow cover, eating all the bark at the ground level, is probably the main cause I see for young tree loss.

[dividivus]

Two weeks ago I have planted together with somebody I love a Himalayan birch tree (Betula utilis) on the top of a hill close to our city. Is taller than those in video, about 2, 70 meter tall, hopefully the next year will have over 3 meters (~ 10 feet). And under the roots we have left a message inside a small watertight plastic container, hopefully nobody will read it in my lifetime.
There is a saying, that every person should plant a tree in her/his lifetime, and if planting every year, that is better.
Keep up the good work, be safe.

[michaelmcdermott]

Perhaps my favorite thing abut your channel.

[anthonygasparini]

Great job, Matt! Trees are a living memorial ❤. 40 years from now, your children will show their children the trees Grand dad planted. A long time ago, I started planting trees on the property for those friends and loved ones we lost. When I walk around with friends and family now, I point them out.

[andymiller]

I really enjoy the arboretum updates. Even though they're once a year, I look forward to seeing the progress every year. I wish I had the space and large property to plant my own trees. For now, I'll have to follow your yearly updates.

[andr]

There is obviously a ton of information and variables to consider with planting trees (I wouldn't even bother sorting through what might be in the youtube comments). It's nice the story on how you are trying it, keep us in the loop.

[mikeboone]

Give your trees some grow juice, i'm 81 now and I want to see them tall so go go . Happy Trails

[douglassiemens]

FYI on Osage Orange, aka Bois D'arc and Hedge Apple: Because of the thorns, these trees were planted in the prairies of the central US as natural fences. When planted closely together, the branches would intertwine and keep the pioneers' cattle enclosed AND also help deter predators. Their fruit contains a sap that repels insects, including cockroaches.

[daveschoffstall]

Hi Matt, noticed you planted some Osage Orange trees. They are tuff trees and smart. Around here were we live, south central Kansas, they grow wild. They are the last ones to bring on their leaves when all freezing is done in the spring. Smart! We just cut down one that was struck by lightning and it measured 21” at the base with a 9’ stretch of straight wood. Counted the rings and estimate around 110 years old. We had it slabbed up in 1” and 2” pieces. Got two sets of 2” widest pieces in book match. Good luck and very good work on your oak floor.

[josephbohme]

It is called "note to self". but you must have a bathroom Mirror that will be used for at least the year. So to remind you each and every day, The yard looks pretty darn lush. Unlike us in the golden hills of California. Dry 'golden weeds' dry valleys with treed hills, save for perpetual forest fires with 10% humidity the size of Rhode Island.

[petercollin]

Matt, Sycamore typically grows on streambanks. It likes bottomlands that are seasonally damp. If any of your land fits that description, that is your best bet.

[amdan]

A squirrel hid and forgot an acorn in a large pot we'd once had peonies in but abandoned. Eventually we wanted to remove the pot and decided to transplant the little oak tree growing in it in the back yard. It's done well surviving a couple winters there and is now something like 12 feet tall or more. We don't know the exact species, though its leaves say it's in the red oak family. We just call it our pot oak.

[MrPossumeyes]

An arboretum is a worthy exercise, Matt. Big ups to you. For your afterbears.

[rogerdudra]

Greetings from the BIG SKY. I wouldn't go paddlefishing before Memorial Day here this year on the Missouri river.

[danielwillis]

Want to try adding some California redwoods? I have one in my back yard and haven't cut back the suckers in too long, I can dig up some of the more mature ones and send them to you if you want to try transplanting or rooting them depending on how mature they turn out to be.

[JasonRSpenny]

Tree ideas to add to the arb.
Shagbark Hickory
Sassafras
Catalpa
Tuliptree

[OldsmobileCutlassVa]

I can't wait to see the 10 year update on all the trees!