Time to Spray

Mike and his sprayer



























Mike is back tonight, applying the spray to keep the weeds down. We should be rain again before the weekend so it should take effect.

Last of the planting

Tonight we finished planting the 20 Pines we had left in Sauer Memorial Park. Along the row as we will make a new wind/privacy break. We also had the 20 color pack to plant throughout the yard and park. Yeah done with that for the year.
Earlier we had plants perennials from the farm around in spot to see what transplants well. I still have gift certs to use for a flower bed in the middle of our circle. The yard will take shape over the coming years.

Only 7-10 years and some hard work before we will sell our first Christmas trees. I hope to have things to share along the way.

Rain - Saturday was raining and by Sunday morning we have 2-1/4 inches on the new trees. This will be great to get them going.

Tree planting Day

The trees arrive in 3 boxes













Wrapped in wet shredded newspaper and then a plastic bag.














Mike and Dennie setting up the planter. The white pipe extended from the front is used to space the rows.



























See the many rows?












Friday is here. Excited, anxious.
It is a warm day - upper 60's to low 70's.
VERY windy here
We start at 4:30 pm and are done with 825 trees at 6:00
Time for drinks to celebrate.
Mike will come back to spray when the weather is not so windy within the next week.
It was interesting to watch.
I was taught to cut the root so that it would generate new ones.
We also soaked them in water and super-gel which is a chemical that gels up and prompts water attaching to the roots rather than the surrounding grass.
Dennie drove the Mike's tractor.
He attaches a pole on the front so that you know the spacing from row to row and then Mike sat on the back and just knew when to insert the tree.
When you get to the end of the row, you turn the pole the other way, very much like a corn planter arm.
I was able to keep up with the guys handing out the trees and they just kept moving.
YEAH WE HAVE TREES!

Trees arrive, 3 boxes. All sorted, bundled, wrapped in wet newspaper and plastic.
We opened them to allow air but tried to keep them cool. It was exciting.

Wait for the trees. Confirmed that they would come as we asked before April 24th so we could plant that Friday. Trees were ordered from Chief River Nursery in Hayward, WI.

Contact Mike Gould of the Fayette Sportsman club about planting
He taught it would cost $300 or less. Wow, that isn't bad. Contracted him
to plant.

Ordering Trees

On April 6th, 2009 I ordered
300 White Pine
250 White Spruce
100 Black Cherry
100 Red Oak
100 Swamp White Oak
and some misc trees for the yard.
Total cost under $800.00.
On our way to starting a Christmas tree farm.