Trees

[sirquack]

I have a new piece of land that at this point is about 50/50 meadow and trees. I currently have a large number of Hickory, Honey Locust a few willows and some Oaks. I am going to be eradicating the Honey Locust since I don't want to have to deal with the 6 inch spines on these things.
But I am also looking to increase the trees in some of the meadow areas, as well as run a wind break tree line along the road where the house will eventually be placed.
What I am looking for is a reasonably quick growing tree, that will not be weak from fast growth, but will also provide some habitat for local wildlife as well.
The property is in South Central Iowa if that helps you help me figure out what will work in that area.
I will probably not be in building there for a few years, but I want to get something in the ground now so we can at least get the windbreak aspect of it started sooner rather than later.

Thanks all.

[Harry Chickpea]

If the area supports them, and there are no apple orchards around, I would consider cedar. After a few years, the culls can be fenceposts, and a few years after that wood for decks and such.

[fishhead]

Your university extension agent should be able to get you a handout that will suggest tree species and spacings.

[Cabin Fever]

"Click" on the following link and find the soil survey for your county in Iowa ==> Iowa Soil Surveys

Find the soil types for your property from the aerial photos in the suvey.

Then go to the table in the survey that is titled: "Windbreaks and Environmental Plantings." This table will make recommendations for tree and bush species based on your county and soil type(s).

If you have difficulties, PM me the legal description for your property.

[sirquack]

Thanks CF. I will take a look at the link when I get home. The file for my county (Appanoose) is huge and I am not on a computer with a printer so I can print and review off line. Looks like good information from what I am able to read online. Thanks for the info. I may use it as well for the current house until we move south.

Ron

[Triffin]

Try here for some area appropriate tree species ..

http://www.forestry.iastate.edu/

Triff

[ronbre]

for a great deciduous hedge you might try hazelnuts / filberts..and you can eat them..also great for wildlife..

you could do a hedge of berries or brambles..to feed yourself and the wildlife...or possibly rows of fruit and nut trees as well..

Here for a windbreak i'm using a combination of deciduous and evergreens on the west side..as we have cold NW winds..i have a woods on the N..

The windbreak now consists mostly of ash, lilac, poplar, white pine, canadian hemlock, red pine, cedar, black spruce, and some vines..a small area with privit.

One thing I consider when I'm doing these things is a wildlife corriodore..which means basically that you are giving cover to the wildlife to get from place to place and to find feed and shelter..as well as bringing in beauty and preventing wind damage to your property..

[Old Vet]

Call your state Forestry people and see what they will tell you. Have a forester come out and suggest the species. Any tree that is suited for the altitude and soil will grow fast. A forester from your State forestry people is a free way to get good information. Much better than from the Internet.