Tree Questions - Wisconsin Lot

16 years ago

After much research, we are contemplating purchasing a 5 acre lot in north central Wisconsin (Oneida county). The majority of this lot is wooded with birch, with some pines and I believe poplars (or maybe ash) trees present. What kind of trees would be recommended to add to the esisting ones? Eventually we would like to build and I know birch are not necessarily recommended around a house because of their softness. Woulds oaks, maples additional pines and apple trees be good choices?

Also, there is a large open area at the front of the lot (along the road) approximately 75 feet deep and covering the whole width of the lot that currently just has grass and wildflowers growing in it. We have been told by the developer that the trees in this area were clear cut a number of years ago. So what the developer did two or three years ago was cover the stumps with the soil taken out when he put in the roads. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do with this area? We thought of possibly leaving some of the area as grass for the kids to play in and planting trees in the rest of it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (5)

superdavefive
16 years ago
I have heard of people drilling holes in stumps and filling the holes with cheese to get them to decompose faster.
msmity29
Original Author
16 years ago
The stumps I mentioned above have actually been covered by the developer a number of years ago with the soil taken out when the road were built. Now it is a slightly raised, flat area with grass and wild flowers growing in it. Unfortunately, this doesn't provide much of a "Northwoods" feel and doesn't provide much privacy from the road.
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tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
16 years ago
There are a number of conifers that will grow up there. Hemlocks, various spruces and pines & balsam fir to name a few. Your biggest problem might be to 1)water them when needed unless you plan to be there a lot and 2)protecting them from deer. If you have a nice green area, the deer have already been trained to dine there. You can check with the county extension office and the state forestry department for ideas on what grows best and any deals they may offer for re-forestation.

tj
pondwelr
16 years ago
msmity, is that what you want for this lot? A privacy screen? If so, read the advice from tj. He is always right on.

Truthfully, grass and wildflowers sound like a nice change from the constant tree/forestry of the North Woods. You may find that you want some sunshine and light in your new home. Think about sight lines, sunshine and light factors before you plant too heavily.
Pondy
janetpetiole
16 years ago
By the time your house is built, the stumps will probably be easy to dig out; they rot faster when buried under soil, plus, they add nutrients back into the soil, so don't feel like you need to get rid of them all. If you have a long extension cord, a reciprocating saw can go through roots quickly if you find any when digging.

Here's what I would do about the stump situation. Shortly before the excavator arrives to dig for the basement or foundation, take a shovel and start digging where you think you will plant trees. If there are root masses where you want to plant a tree, mark each area where this occurs and ask the excavator to scoop out the root masses before they leave. If you are really nice to them and butter them up by offering a cooler of cold beverages if it's hot, or hot beverages if it's cold, they might be lenient on any fees and might even haul away the stumps for you.