trees to plant

[iwiegian]

  Hello all I am a new poster here but been reading the milling posts for awhile.


  I am from west central Iowa and just acquired an acreage with a building site on it.  I built a 40x80  post frame on it this past summer and planning a small self built house next summer. 

The site has numerous green ash trees on it and are old trees some already not very good shape.  As most know emerald ash bore is heading this way and I am afraid I will be losing all the trees. 

  My question is what would be good trees to plant that are fast growing but hardy.  I am 61 so slow growing trees not my first pick but will plant a few oak for future generations.  I am thinking some different Maples and American elm also a few weeping willow down by the creek.  Thanks  Dave

[thecfarm]

iwiegian,welcome to the forum. It good that you are thinking of planting trees. It's a nice feeling to own land and take care of it.

[beenthere]

Not many trees come to mind that will mature within 40 years. Possibly some hybrid poplar.

What is your plan with any trees you plant?
Christmas trees come to mind.  Return on investment probably best of anything else.

Planting for biofuels may be a consideration, but iffy at this point.

And also, welcome to the Forum.  Around the Ft. Dodge area?

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Dave!

[iwiegian]

Not many trees come to mind that will mature within 40 years. Possibly some hybrid poplar.

What is your plan with any trees you plant?
Christmas trees come to mind.  Return on investment probably best of anything else.

Planting for biofuels may be a consideration, but iffy at this point.

And also, welcome to the Forum.  Around the Ft. Dodge area?

Thanks for the response I am finding a bunch of great people here on this forum and a lot of info.
 
Beenthere i am south of fortdodge about 70 miles.

   I am just planting for shade and I hate not having trees around. I'm not concerned with planting for harvest at least not by me. I am also thinking about seedless cottonwood and birch but I need to do some research.

[beenthere]

Then pay a visit or at least make a contact at Ames with the Extension Forester. Let them know your interests, and see what they have to offer.
They'll be tuned in to what is available, grows well, and meets your expectations. Might even get some leads for available planting stock.
Let us know what they have to offer. I might have you "barking up the wrong tree" so to speak.   

[Magicman]

Hello Dave and Welcome to the Forestry Forum.   

[peterjd89]

Any pine tree or locust tree grows fast. Go to Mossy oak.com they have hybrid oak trees for any kind of soil condition and a shoreline span plus if your a hunter they have oaks that acorn every year.

[peterjd89]

I would love to see an alive American elm up here in wny around Jamestown there are no live American elm

[chain]

Sounds like you like color and diversity. Down by the creek with your weeping willow , sycamore would be attractive more so in decades to come, along with river birch. Don't know how much wind you have in western Iowa but you could consider a windbreak around your farmstead, i.e., deciduous holly, dogwood, maple, cedar, etc.

But your extension or Iowa Forestry should have a list of fast growing hardwoods for your selection..what about Black Walnut or Chinese Chestnut or fruit trees in plantation style? They'll keep you plenty busy nurturing them.