What trees to plant

[southview]

I have question the forum might be able to help me with.  I want to order trees from our conservation district, I want hardwoods and the three kinds I am looking at are Black Cherry, Red Oak or White Swamp Oak.  All three grow in my area of Minnesota but I am wondering which is faster going and which is going to make the best lumber for the time spent growing.  Any suggestions would be great. 

Other trees offered but didn't interest me much are Buuternut, Cottonwood, Hackberry and Red Maple.

[Ron Scott]

Check with your conservation district forester who may know your local growing  and soil conditions for which species does best on your landscape/ ecosystem.

Also, get a copy of your county's soil survey. It will help you determine the best species to meet your objectives on your soil types.

[bitternut]

Cherry would be the fastest growing and probably worth the most at maturity. Even lower grade cherry is worth having. As Ron suggested though it would depend on the soil type and conditions present at your piece of property. You most likely might have various conditions and may want to plant all three species. As Ron said start with a soil check-up.

[southview]

I did talk with a person at the conservation district and he did know my area and stated that all three would grow well with the biggest question on soil condition being with the cherry.  But since I have cherry growing vigorously in the woods at the back of the property he thought the conditions would be right.  So I have decided to grow the cherry in the back of the property.

Now the question is do I plant white oak or red oak.  I am limiting myself to two trees this time around (to much to do and to little time) so what in your opinions would be better to plant, red or white.  Funny how this is the same question the Mrs. and I have about potatoes as well.

[bitternut]

Plant red oak. They grow faster, make better timber, are worth more for lumber, better looking tree, etc. If you want some different oaks get some from Oikos Tree Crops in Kalamazoo. They sell some real special oaks among other stuff. Their stuff is mostly raised right close to you so their stock should do real good in your local. I have several different varieties of their hybrid oaks. Wish I could be there to watch some forester 40 years from now trying to figure out just what kind of oak he is looking at. Anyways here is the link. Good luck with your planting.

http://www.oikostreecrops.com/

[southview]

Thanks for the help.  However I live in MN so Kalamazoo is a little ways away but I am looking at some nursery stock to plant in the front yard and around the out buildings.  Finnally getting rid of the Boxelders.

[redpowerd]

Finnally getting rid of the Boxelders

dont tell swampdonkey :D

[asy]

Thanks for the help.  However I live in MN so Kalamazoo is a little ways away but I am looking at some nursery stock to plant in the front yard and around the out buildings.  Finnally getting rid of the Boxelders.

Send a couple to CKTate...   He wanted some I believe!

hehe

asy :D