Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Apple tree release, 1 by David_Vermont

David_Vermont wrote:
The property where these apples are located is close to 200 acres with most of it wooded with a great diversity of trees and wildlife present. It's my goal to add to the sources of food for a wide variety of animals. I'm creating brush piles which are giving cover to ground nesting birds and various other animals. I'm also removing exotics from the area and planting such things as American filbert, silky dogwood, northern pecan, buartnut (butternut x heartnut cross) and several oak species. Over the years I will plant other trees and bushes to add to the collection. I also see the value in saving grape vines and only remove them from apple trees that show a good chance of being revived. I've actually thought of planting grapes next to the brush piles that I have been making.

VV, yes I am working against the natural succession of the area. If I did nothing these old apples would continue to disappear into the woods. It's their beauty and the food source that they offer that has me working to save them. The attached picture is of one of the area that I worked at last fall. It might be possible for you to see the green flagging showing the location of an apple, brush piles, girdled trees to become snags for wildlife and smaller trees that I'm taking out for firewood for our cook stove.