Posted by Stephen Chase on March 8, 2005

Q: Hi.

There is an open area where the beavers have been clearing the small deciduous trees. I would like to encourage the growth of evergreens in this field as the beavers donít seem to enjoy them and it will hopefully block view year around from anticipated future development. I have been collecting pine cones and throwing them around this area hoping some pine trees eventually sprout. I live in Michigan. From what I read on your site, this might be hopeless. What do you think?

Thanks,

Steve

A: Hopeless, no, but there is a much quicker and surer way of obtaining your end result. Pine seedlings need lots of sun to get started in life and often the local weeds simply outgrow and out compete them and they never make it from seed. I'd see if your local conservation organization has any trees that are already well underway that they offer this spring - often these are "package" deals. Many environmental organizations provide small trees (they'll know which conifers do best in your area) at a very reasonable price that can be planted.

If you can't find a local organization that provides trees, a local nursery may be able to get some small trees for you that you can use.

Keep in mind that you'll lose some of the trees you're planting, so plant more than you think you need. Again, your local conservation organization can give you some guidelines on this if you need them. My very best to you - it's so much fun watching small trees grow into large ones over time. Oh yes, be sure to take pictures before you plant and in 10 years you'll be amazed how different it all looks.

John Wiessinger ( March 8, 2005)