I'm still pretty new at all this stuff, though my research has been several years in the works. Any advice that is offered will be helpful, I'm sure. Two years ago I bought and planted at least a hundred trees and I don't think a single one survived the neglect that resulted from Sis's cancer treatment. Obviously something was left out of the directions!
My cousin recently bought a place (five acres) and hopes to create a homestead for his growing family. He wants and needs trees. I have 15 acres (or more) of woods, and this time of year it sure looks like there are plenty of young trees scattered among the "old growth". I plan to call Harley and offer him time to come "shop" for a starter woodlot.
What sort of things would we need (or need to know) to do this successfully? A shovel is a given. I have an assortment of plastic pots left over from previous planting experiences ranging in size from two cups to 3 gallons.
Is there a rooting medium that would help stave off transplant shock? Do you water the baby tree when you put it in a new pot? Are willow whips to be stuck in dirt or transported in a water bucket? When a tree is eight inches high, do the leaves look the same as they will when it's eight (or 80) feet tall? Is there a really good resource I should have bought already and be carrying around in the door panel of the pick-up truck?
That's only the questions I know enough to ask. Help!