Planting for the future

[kkcomp]

I have 114 acres in the Smoky mountains. Mostly hill side with a seasonal creek and a 1 acre lake. I would like to tree farm parts of it. Looking for suggestions on what to plant where? 

[TreefarmerNN]

Are you looking for timber growth or something like a Christmas tree farm?

[kkcomp]

Are you looking for timber growth or something like a Christmas tree farm?

Hardwoods. Trying to also plan my daughters retirement fund 

[Ron Scott]

Check the Soil Survey for your county. It will give you good advice as to what vegetative species to plant and where on what soil type.

[TreefarmerNN]

Hardwood management and reforestation is more difficult than something like plantation pines.  It's worth the effort but takes a bit more finesse and matching soils, slopes and environment to the trees.  Actually, it's the reverse- match the trees to the environment.

I second the idea of looking at the soil map.  Valuable hardwoods generally want deep, well drained soil to grow well.  I'd strongly suggest getting with your state department of forestry.  There should be a reasonably local office.  They can either help develop a forest management plan or give a list of qualified foresters who develop plans (some fee may be involved).  There are quite a few cost share programs available either at the state or federal level so having a professional involved can save you from making false steps like planting inappropriate trees or help identify cost share opportunities. 

I don't know your site and can only speak from my own experience which is in topography radically different that yours.  But here are a few species that I'd consider based on possible returns as well as a nod to critters in the forest. Remember that quality trees provide a much higher return than poorly grown trees.

American black walnut generally holds value well, especially in higher grades.  It also provides nuts and those can be a source of annual revenue but take some effort as processors are rare.

White oak is among the higher value of the oaks as it makes strong, dimensionally stable lumber and is also used for barrel staves in the bourbon and wine industries.

Red oak is somewhat less valuable than white oak but good quality oak logs are very marketable.  All of the oaks provide some level of wildlife food.

Hickory again provides wildlife food and good lumber but generally somewhat less valuable than the oaks.

Historically, chestnut trees covered the Smokey Mountains.  The chestnut blight wiped them out but a decades long process has developed some trees that are blight resistant.  Don't go overboard but consider planting a few of those to see if they thrive.

Maple is another option.  Less value to wildlife and somewhat less valuable but they can be a beautiful tree. 

A local forester can no doubt provide more and better suggestions.