Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Long story about why I need trees + acorn i.d.!, 1 by earthtiller

earthtiller wrote:
Here is my long story! (I will try to make it shorter=)

My DH and I are in contract for 57 acres of undeveloped land. We may build a house there, but it wouldn't be for at least 5 years. In the meantime, DH will use this as hunting land. About all that is currently growing there are mesquite trees, broomweed and some native grasses. We are in zone 7b. The soil is clay,clay and more clay. (Except for a few areas that are sandstone.)

We are very interested in wildlife management and the first thing that we will do is build a pond. I will want to plant lots of Bald Cypress around the pond as it is my favorite tree. Dh loves Oaks and knows that this will feed the wildlife. He also wants to plant persimmons. I have researched and decided that the virginian persimmon is better suited to our zone. Since we are putting lots of money into buying the land, there isn't much left for trees. But, we both realize that trees are of the utmost importance and the sooner we get them planted, the better.

My sweet daughters have been going for walks in our neighborhood and picking up acorns for us to start trees from. We have a couple of live oaks, one bur oak, a lot of common acorns that I think are red oaks and then three of the cutest striped acorns. I have included a picture of the striped acorn, just in case someone can tell me what it is. Also, does anyone have experience with starting Bald cypress trees or persimmons from seed?

Thanks for reading if you have made it this far!

=)Necia