I vote for pecan as well, assuming they grow in that part of the country. Not only do they make good trees, they are a great property improvement. I planted a dozen over a few years, with a irrigation system.
I vote for pecan as well, assuming they grow in that part of the country. Not only do they make good trees, they are a great property improvement. I planted a dozen over a few years, with a irrigation system.
Aside from being a small-time sod monger, I also sell trees. How may I be of service!
I think having an orchard may be a good idea for the relative near future. Your local county extension agent would be a good source of information on that. But, to ask a new planting to do double duty and provide fruit, shade, and hammock support may be asking a little too much. Acercanto's advice is good. Look around and see what the good Lord planted...He knew what would grow well there. A few properly spaced specimen sized trees can give good shade and support in just a few years. While you're waiting to hang your hammock, you could grow some grapes, make some wine, let it age, then invite us all up to your place. Now that's a plan!
Sometimes even a Blind Hog finds an Acorn
Pecan trees are "natural pruners", meaning they shed limbs on a fairly regular basis. Not the best choice for hammocking.
The majority of fruit trees are usually thin-barked, and would likely sustain some damage from hanging (IMO).
I'd plant either Oak, Hickory, or Walnut.
Yesterday's tomorrow is tomorrow's yesterday. It's the only day that counts.
Everyone is correct about this taking some time for the trees to mature. However, a good mix of trees that flower in the Spring and have vibrant autumn colors would be worth it.
I would personally do a mix of at Bradford Pears, Cleveland Pears, various Cherries, Maples, Oaks, Tulip Poplars, and some tall pines. I have all of the above on my property, and because the fruit trees are ornamental they don't drop any fruit. The bugs aren't an issue and most of the trees can be bought for about $25 at the major home supply stores. They will hold your weight within 5 years.
Avoid Sweet Gums, despite their great fall colors, their shape isn't that great and they drop those nasty spiked balls. I would also avoid the Crab Apple because it does drop fruit. Bradford Pears are great trees, but they are far more prone to wind damage than the Cleveland Pear.
You have a large property w/ trees, and this one area to plant fruit trees? If so, I can't imagine planting more trees just to hang from!
Get some of that fruit! Everybody's quite right about it taking a while, but if this is your dream property then time isn't an issue.
Nut trees are great, too. Our property has a lot of hickory and beech. Makes for great trail mix and pies. (Nut pies are awesome, but RICH. We make one pecan or other nut pie for every 5 fruit pies.)
The link (earlier in thread) had some great fruit trees. I didn't see Northern Spy, which is one of my favorites. It's good for colder climes, and perhaps for your altitude as well?
Enjoy your new acreage!
Since you're thinking that far ahead, I'd also think about other hanging areas on your property too. The orchard could be a pretty neat place to hang some day, but you may find your self avoiding it a little more when the fruit is falling to the ground.
I have a large fig tree. Late summer when the first fruits begin to ripen & fall to the ground, bees & hornets of all kinds are working the ripe figs until cool weather. It's amazing how many there are some times.
Occasionally, one of the wasps/hornets will stand his ground, daring me to get to close
But it may be less the case w/ apples & such. I believe some apples don't even get rip until fall.
I too will something make and joy in it's making
Honey crisp apples and blight resistant chestnuts*. 3500 feet is a cool climate but if the honey crisp can make it in MN it will do fine in NC.
*Every year we are a little closer to a truly blight resistant American Chestnut.
That's terrible!
Somebody painted a bunch of blue lines all over your nice trees....
Nice strip of land! Looks like you've got a ridge line there! I like that!
I too will something make and joy in it's making
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