Stump Culture: Coppice for Conifers
Stump culture is a type of conifer tree harvesting that is closely related to the practice of coppicing. In coppice systems, trees are cut down to stumps, and the tree regenerates from the roots. Unlike deciduous trees, conifers cannot …
How to Plant an Edible Hedge
Whether you have one thousand acres or one quarter of an acre, planting an edible hedge offers many benefits to you, to wildlife and livestock, and to the environment.
An edible hedge is a hedgerow designed to produce food for …
Alternative Crops From Mast-Producing Trees
For many farmers and landowners, Return On Investment (ROI) is a major concern when converting crop or pasture land to trees. Although government incentive programs can encourage conservation measures such as hedgerows and riparian buffer zones, these measures must …
Oak Savannah Restoration for Fun and Profit
Psychological studies have found that the type of landscape that is found most universally beautiful by humans is a grassland scattered with large, mature trees. Perhaps the sight reminds us of our own origins on the African savanna. North America …
The Best Non-Native Mast-Producing Trees and Shrubs
Although native mast producing trees provide the most benefits for wildlife and the local environment, many non-native mast producing trees also provide benefits for wildlife, the environment, and humans. The following is a selection of the best non-native …
An Introduction to Analog Forestry
Analog forestry is a system of sustainable forestry that seeks to recreate the structure and function of a diverse natural forest. Much like agroforestry, it seeks to use forest resources for food, shelter, and income in a sustainable way, …
The Best Mast-Producing Trees and Shrubs for Beekeepers
Honeybees are an introduced species in North America, so unlike some non-native mast-producing trees and shrubs, native mast-producing trees and shrubs do not rely on honeybees for pollination. However, the activity of honeybees and other pollinators can increase the …
Mast-Producing Trees in Agroforestry Systems
Agroforestry is the combination of trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock to produce more a diverse, productive, and profitable farm.
Long practiced in the tropics, agroforestry is gaining increasing attention in temperate regions due to its many benefits.
Some …
The Hackberry Family: Great Wildlife Trees
Hackberries (Celtis sp.) are medium-sized trees with excellent wildlife value. Related to the elm family, they produce small, sweet fruits that are popular with many song birds, game birds, and small mammals. Hackberries are also edible by humans and …