More Trees to Plant

We always plant trees during the winter and early spring to replace trees that are logged from the farm. Many years, the acreage is our own nursery for the trees. In areas where the seeds have dropped and foot-tall seedlings are crowded for space, we thin them out and re-plant them in the logged areas.

Some years we have to purchase seedlings for areas to fill in larger areas. This year we ordered 200 trees besides the trees that we had thinned and replanted. We had to order them in November, and found that the seedlings are in short supply this year, we were happy to be able to request the 200 for them to be available around Valentine’s Day.  In February, in the mud, we got them planted on the hillside. It felt good to have that chore done for the year.

With the flooding we had in December, I’ve been taking note of an area by the river where we are loosing the big alder, ash, fir and cedar trees. Calling the local Watershed Council, I was able to order some trees to be planted along the riparian zone of the river. Those trees and shrubs have now arrived at the nursery. The weather will be changing soon, so the plants will need to be planted quickly.

The riparian zone is the buffer of ground around running water. Logging and most activities are restricted in riparian areas. Zones vary from jurisdictions and it can vary from 20 feet buffer on each side of the water to 100 feet. Planting shade plants along riparian zones help keep the river cool enough for the wild salmon, trout and all other creatures that depend on the water source.

For the next few days, I will be planting these trees and shrubs along in the riparian zones strictly for the repair of the natural area around the river and creeks. This is an ongoing task each year as time and resources allow.