Tree Planting
Tree planting in Indiana has become an increasingly popular activity. With the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) there has been a significant increase in tree planting. Not only has the size of each tree plantation increased but the overall acreage placed in trees has increased. Many landowners are recognizing the benefits of planting trees in their odd shaped fields, small fields or highly eroded sites. These landowners are planting trees for a variety of reasons; timber production, wildlife habitat, recreation, erosion control, water quality, and for the joy of planting a tree that will change the lives of future generations.
In
Indiana a mixture of hardwoods and softwoods (pines) are planted throughout the field. The
species are selected according to the soils on the site and the landowners objectives.
Choosing the proper species is the important first step. Trees should be picked that
grow best on the soil of the plantation. Wetland trees should be planted on poorly drained
sites and dryland species on well drained sites. Some species such as walnut have other
restrictions such as a deep soil, at least 36 inches, and well drained. Soils and species
selection are very important to the success of a tree plantation.
Most plantings for timber, wildlife, or erosion control use a 10 ft. X 10 ft. spacing or an 8 ft. X 10 ft. spacing. This is 436 or 544 trees per acre respectively. Some owners plant more trees per acre, but anything less than a 10' X 10' spacing will not qualify the plantation for many of the cost share programs.
Tree Planting Costs Tree Planting Help Tree Planting Cost Share Seedlings