Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Cisco's Trees around a pond

I have a three Persimmons around my pond with one tree right on the dam. It is loaded with Persimons now and the leaves are falling off. LAst year about this time I had a tree full and within the span of a week most were gone, even the higher up ones. Hopefully this year some will be left for human consumption.

David, my Grandmother used to love persimmons. When I would buy or find some to pick, she would put them in the freezer. After a couple of days, she would get them out to thaw. They were always ready to eat.

That's what we do with the early ones that fall before a freeze. Put them in the freezer for a day or two and they sweeten right up!

That's good to know..the freezer thing.. I will try that this year..du

I've been seeing adds recently of tree farms selling trees now. Is this the time of year to be planting trees or are the tree farms just trying to dump their stock? When I had the pond deepened last summer, we pushed about 8' of mud/sediment out of it which is arounf the bank of the pond now.Will a tree even grow in that?In the picture you can see the highway that's about 50/75 yards from the pond. I'd like to plant something that will tall enough to shield the pond and dock from the highway somewhat.Any suggestions?
http://s1000.photobucket.com/albums/af129/bmncool1/?action=view¤t=IMG_1149.jpg

Yes, you want to plant in the winter because the trees are dormant and you won't stress them when they are transplanted.

Thanks Chris, I'll get busy with the planting. I'm planning on bald cypress but with the drought conditions last year, I'm wondering how much water if any they'll pull from the pond.

In the south now is the time to plant trees. Check with your extension agent for types in your area that grow fast. Here it would be pines.

Will do. He hasn't been to informative in the past but I'll give him a try again.

Look for something with shallow roots.

In the north you can't plant now because the ground is frozen solid. Most planting in the north is done just after ice out but before the trees leaf out. Usually late March to early April...

Cisco,
As Ric suggests, shallow roots, look at palms that will survive in your area, they tend to go wide and relatively shallow.

What type of trees grow well in your area ? I would start with that list. If the county agent is no help call a couple nurseries and ask them that. Fast growth to shield the highway further limits the choices. How tall will the trees need to be to do that? If 20 feet will work you could also consider hedges. Another would be a series of trellises with vines like honeysuckle , jasmine or other vines provided they will grow well.

Make sure you can water them at least weekly for the next 2-3 years. I have planted trees as balled and burlapped along with container-grown and IMHO, container-grown is the way to go. Stay away from fast growing trees(Willow, Cottonwood, Cedars, etc) unless you want to use them as a buffer. Then cut them down in a few years after your more desirable trees have grown....du

The faster the trees grow, the easier the branches break.