I’ll definitely be looking into what works in the future, and writing about it in more depth, but I have a few thoughts off the top of my head (definitely not any expert on this). Hopefully other people can chime in with their own experience/ideas!
If you have access to land where the trees will be allowed to grow, then the best option would be to choose one or more species based on the conditions of the land you have – soil quality, rain patterns, sunlight levels, annual temperatures, and probably other factors.
I’d suggest also considering trees that are native to your region, but are near the northern end of their range where you are. That gives them a better shot an thriving as temperatures rise year to year.
Then look into nurseries in your area, and see what saplings they have for sale, and follow their instructions for planting and caring for the tree until it’s doing OK on its own.
Another option is selecting an area, and simply letting it go wild and do whatever it wants. It’ll take longer to develop trees, but it’s certainly easier and cheaper.
Or, if you want have the time and resources, you could look into designing a food forest – an artificial ecosystem in which most or all of the plant species are edible – fruit and nut trees, grape vines, berry bushes, shade-loving greens and/or tubers – that sort of thing.
I mean if you’re going for mass, I’d suggest something like a quaking aspen with a clause in your will to ensure that it’s supported.
That way you can become part of a legion of root clones.
StevoRsays
@1. Raucous Indignation : “I would love to grow some really big trees in the time I have left on the planet. How does one do that?”
Species selection I guess – choose to plant species such as Tasmania’s Giant Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) or Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) or Giant Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) but do so carefully making sure its suited to your local environment and ecology and is planted in the best place to flourish, grow and survive.
I vaguely recall reading the worlds largest trees have been in trouble and of course they’ll take centuries to reach full height and girth so don’t expect to see them at their best in your lifetime.
I don’t know where you are but there will hopefully be local tree planting (Revegetation) groups such as my local Trees for Life (https://www.treesforlife.org.au/ ) and Urban Biodiversity Unit that you can join and volunteer with and learn from. – which I highly recommend doing and find great fun and satisfaction with; even if most of the plants planted are rather smaller than the forest giants.
If you want quick growing trees & are in Australia (okay probably unlikely – note a weed in South Africa) I’d suggest Acacia pycnantha or Golden Wattle which I’ve planted in my attempted bush garden which have rocketed up from knee high to well over head high in juts a few years .
This does however, all really depend on your local conditions. Please choose wisely and good luck!
I would love to grow some really big trees in the time I have left on the planet. How does one do that?
I’ll definitely be looking into what works in the future, and writing about it in more depth, but I have a few thoughts off the top of my head (definitely not any expert on this). Hopefully other people can chime in with their own experience/ideas!
If you have access to land where the trees will be allowed to grow, then the best option would be to choose one or more species based on the conditions of the land you have – soil quality, rain patterns, sunlight levels, annual temperatures, and probably other factors.
I’d suggest also considering trees that are native to your region, but are near the northern end of their range where you are. That gives them a better shot an thriving as temperatures rise year to year.
Then look into nurseries in your area, and see what saplings they have for sale, and follow their instructions for planting and caring for the tree until it’s doing OK on its own.
Another option is selecting an area, and simply letting it go wild and do whatever it wants. It’ll take longer to develop trees, but it’s certainly easier and cheaper.
Or, if you want have the time and resources, you could look into designing a food forest – an artificial ecosystem in which most or all of the plant species are edible – fruit and nut trees, grape vines, berry bushes, shade-loving greens and/or tubers – that sort of thing.
Sooo … no giant redwoods in New York state?
You do you 😛
The best time to plant a tree is ten years ago.
The second best time is today.
(or something like that–it’s not my original, but it is my mantra)
I have planted some tree and have let 5 acres go fallow. But I want to have my ashes (or mulch) put at the roots of something colossal.
I mean if you’re going for mass, I’d suggest something like a quaking aspen with a clause in your will to ensure that it’s supported.
That way you can become part of a legion of root clones.
@1. Raucous Indignation : “I would love to grow some really big trees in the time I have left on the planet. How does one do that?”
Species selection I guess – choose to plant species such as Tasmania’s Giant Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) or Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) or Giant Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) but do so carefully making sure its suited to your local environment and ecology and is planted in the best place to flourish, grow and survive.
I vaguely recall reading the worlds largest trees have been in trouble and of course they’ll take centuries to reach full height and girth so don’t expect to see them at their best in your lifetime.
I don’t know where you are but there will hopefully be local tree planting (Revegetation) groups such as my local Trees for Life (https://www.treesforlife.org.au/ ) and Urban Biodiversity Unit that you can join and volunteer with and learn from. – which I highly recommend doing and find great fun and satisfaction with; even if most of the plants planted are rather smaller than the forest giants.
If you want quick growing trees & are in Australia (okay probably unlikely – note a weed in South Africa) I’d suggest Acacia pycnantha or Golden Wattle which I’ve planted in my attempted bush garden which have rocketed up from knee high to well over head high in juts a few years .
This does however, all really depend on your local conditions. Please choose wisely and good luck!