Buying trees in bulk/volume

Hi all,

I'm considering starting a reforestation project to create a new woodland area.

Can any one give me any help, advice or information with regarding to stocking the wood and buying in bulk?

What's the smallest size tree that I should consider? I guess if they're small I have to worry about them being damaged by animals such as rabbits and deer.

Kind regards.

 

"reforestation project"

Sounds awesome!

I would first check DEFRA and the Forestry Commission for any grants you may be able to get. You may find they will provide you with all the trees and stakes / rabbit guards Gratis.

I think that small "whips" are most commonly used as the will transplant easily and get away quickly, and just need a rabbit collar, decent stake and a tree tie. But if you have Deer in your area you need to safeguard the trees from them as they get older. The Deer just eat a ring of bark around the young trunk and that's it, game over :(

A chicken wire collar up to 8' or so might do the trick, I doubt you can effectively fence the area. Planting a thick hedge around the area might be "up" in time before the trees are vulnerable - Laurel hedge perhaps?

You probably also need to plant thick and then plan to thin later on.

How about growing wood for a central heating boiler?

 

GOOD LUCK, HOPE YOU GET ALL THE HELP YOU DESERVE... AND THE BIRDS WILL THANK YOU IN TIME:thumb:

 

Thanks guys.

What a positive response in such a short time.

My plans are only in their early stages but my aim is to create some additional wooded areas (are large as possible) for people to use and enjoy - and hopefully respect. Without going into too much detail, I hope to bring companies, people, communities and government together to enhance our local environments and create some new recreational space.

I'll update you as and when I make progress.

I don't currently have huge funds or suitable land yet so any information on grants and such would be very welcome. Has anyone else out there already tried to start a new wood or manage an existing one?

Also any tips on buying land for this purpose would be appreciated.

 

One thing I forgot to add. Irrigation.

I think one of the best things I see is the perforated underground land-drain hose stuck vertically into the planting hole (and probably circled round the planting hole as well), makes it easy to "fill up and move on" and the water goes deep down, encouraging the roots to grow down looking for water - which helps them survive drought better.

We planted some woodland at a previous house and I bought several 100 M of 2" layflat-tubing which I snaked around the trees and pricked with a pin at each tree. Far cheaper than any form of hose / irrigation pipe, and it lasted 3 years or so, which was plenty to get the trees established.

 

We planted 200 trees on 3 acres. 4 years later you can now get shade. I hope your experience will be as spiritually upliting as ours. Bon chance

 

In general the rule with trees is that small whips eg 1'-2' establish quicker than those 3'-4'.

Dont make the mistake thats often done and overplant, you dont need a tree every metre, more like every 2.5 metre.

Obviusly buy bare root and plant December- Feb.

Consider multch mats, Ive used hemp core bio mats with good sucess in several recent orchard creation jobs, For the customers conventional ring spraying was not deemed 'atractive' !

I useually use foretetube tree shelters, worth the money and help the trees to establish, however if cost is an issue then spiral shelters are better than nowt.

Tree surfer will probably be around soon with more advice.

 

Hi delectable,

Firstly congrats and all the best with your plan. Woodland management is something I'd love to have a go at. You may find purchasing a couple of books on woodland management a great help if you've not undertaken a project like this before. May I suggest treesource.co.uk?

When buying trees in bulk you have to consider how long you plan on storing them before planting. Trees in pots are easier to store than bare-root trees and can easily be looked after. Remeber to keep them watered and protected. You will need to contact a number of nurseries regarding the volume of trees you need, but try not to compromise quality for quantity too much. Do not buy trees from a garden centre - they will be extortionate!

Generally all newly planted trees will need some sort of protection from rabbits, deer and such like, regardless if they're whips, half-standards or standards. Tubex tree guards are a cost-effective way of protecting young trees. Please remember to remove these after a year or so. It is better to plant small trees where possible as these tend to establish faster than larger ones and are less likely to suffer shock. However, if you are planting on land that suffers from high weed infestation then larger trees may be more suitable.

What type of woodland is it that you are planning on planting? Broadleaf, softwood, mixed? Will you be using native British trees or a mix of native, naturalised and introduced non-natives? By taking a look at the trees already established in your area you will be able to see what species are suitable. There's nothing worse than planting the wrong species of tree in your woodland.

 

Thanks again everyone.

Ideally I'd like to go for local/british trees, I tend to favour broadleaf trees but appreciate one needs to be flexible.