I started my small bare-root seedlings on the water's edge and then raised the water level 6" per year for 2 years using a water-control structure. This worked well for me, but beavers cut a few down over the last 2 years. Beavers are gone for now and the stumps appear to have sprouted, but not sure how they will survive or grow after being cut off. Had no beavers for over a decade after building the pond, but then had some get in each of the last 2 years. Maybe the 2021 beavers could smell the past occupants?
