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On this podcast episode, Harold and Rachel continue the series on getting back to basics with getting started with trees and bushes. They discuss the benefits, selection, planting, and care of trees and bushes.

Modern Homesteading Podcast Episode 270

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Trees and bushes are integral to creating a healthy, productive, and visually appealing homestead. In today’s podcast, we’ll explore why they matter, how to select the right varieties for your land, and the fundamental techniques for planting and caring for them so you can enjoy a plentiful harvest for years to come.

Trees and bushes are a cornerstone of any homestead because they offer more than just fruits and nuts: they provide benefits like ecological balance, shelter, shade, and even emotional well-being. In this post, our goal is to delve into the benefits, selection, planting, and care of trees and bushes. By the end, you’ll be ready to make informed decisions about which species to plant and how to nurture them successfully.

The Vital Role of Trees and Bushes in a Homestead System

Provides Food

One of the most direct benefits of trees and bushes is the food they produce, both for you and for your livestock. Fruit trees like apples, pears, and peaches supply a harvest that can be consumed fresh or stored in various ways—dried, canned, or frozen. Nut trees (e.g., walnuts, chestnuts) and berry bushes (e.g., blueberries, raspberries) diversify your family’s diet and add valuable nutrients.

Livestock Food

Beyond human consumption, trees and bushes can benefit your animals. Fruit drops from trees can feed pigs or chickens, and many nuts are suitable for a variety of livestock. Leaves, fallen nuts, and the insects these trees attract can become part of a natural foraging system for your animals, reducing feed costs and improving animal health.

Ecological Benefits

• Soil Health: The root systems of trees help prevent erosion, build fertility, and improve water retention. Leaf litter and organic debris enrich the topsoil over time.
• Wildlife Support: From pollinators like bees and butterflies to birds and small mammals, trees and bushes create habitats, nesting sites, and food sources that promote biodiversity.

Microclimate Creation

Strategically planted trees can serve as windbreaks, shielding your home and garden from harsh gusts and extreme temperatures. By providing shade, they help regulate temperature, reduce the need for air conditioning in summer, and retain moisture in your soil.

Aesthetic & Emotional Value

There’s no denying the beauty that trees and shrubs bring to any landscape. The calming presence of greenery has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and create a sense of harmony. On top of this, a homestead with mature trees simply feels more welcoming and abundant.

Choosing the Right Trees and Bushes for Your Homestead

Climate & Site Considerations

Before you pick out saplings, it’s vital to understand your hardiness zone, soil type, and local microclimates. Check your soil’s drainage and pH level—some plants prefer slightly acidic conditions while others thrive in more alkaline soils. Additionally, note the amount of daily sunlight the planting area receives and whether it experiences strong winds.

Functional Categories of Trees and Bushes

1. Fruit Trees: Apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and more. Some species require a pollination partner, so ensure you have compatible varieties or a self-pollinating species.
2. Nut Trees: Walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, or even acorns (oak varieties). Nut trees are a long-term investment but can yield protein-rich harvests for decades.
3. Berry and Nut Bushes: Raspberries, blackberries, elderberries, hazelnut bushes, and more. These are quicker to mature than most fruit or nut trees, providing faster yields.
4. Timber & Coppicing Species: Quick-growing hardwoods like poplar, willow, or black locust can be grown for building material, fuel, or crafting.
5. Support Species: Certain trees fix nitrogen (e.g., black locust), while others repel pests (e.g., eucalyptus). These species can improve soil fertility or protect more vulnerable trees.

Selecting Disease-Resistant Varieties

Whenever possible, opt for disease-resistant cultivars. Speak with local nurseries or your county extension office to find varieties well-adapted to your specific climate. Choosing resilient species is a proactive way to minimize future pest and disease challenges.

Planning & Design Considerations

Zoning & Placement

If you’re familiar with permaculture zoning, you know how placement can make or break your homestead’s efficiency. High-maintenance fruit trees might be planted closer to your home (Zone 1 or 2), while low-maintenance or timber species can be farther away (Zone 3 or beyond). Be mindful of how large each tree will get and give them adequate spacing to prevent root competition and overcrowded canopies.

Polycultures & Guilds

Mixing plants that support each other in “guilds” is a hallmark of permaculture. For instance:

• A fruit tree in the center
• Comfrey or other nutrient-accumulating plants around the drip line
• Herbs and flowers that attract beneficial insects

These combinations create self-sustaining ecosystems where each plant contributes to the health of the whole.

Proper Tree Planting Techniques

Site Preparation

Start by testing your soil to determine any amendments you need, such as adding compost or organic matter to improve fertility and structure. Clear away grass, weeds, or other vegetation that could compete for nutrients and water.

Planting Process

1. Dig the Hole: Make it deep and wide enough for the roots to spread naturally—usually twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than the existing root system.
2. Root Care: If roots are bound or circling, gently loosen them before placing the tree in the hole.
3. Backfill: Use a mixture of native soil and compost. Avoid excessive fertilizers at this stage; too much can damage young roots.
4. Berm or Watering Basin: Build a small circular ridge around the base to help water soak in rather than run off.

Initial Watering & Protection

• Water: Right after planting, give the tree a deep watering. Young trees need consistent moisture to establish roots, so check soil moisture frequently.
• Mulching: Add a layer of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips or straw) around the base, leaving a small gap around the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Trunk Protection: Consider using tree guards or wraps to protect against rodents, sunscald, and mechanical damage.

Tree Maintenance & Care

Watering & Fertilization

Newly planted trees need regular, deep watering to encourage strong root growth. As trees mature, they can be more drought-tolerant, but they’ll still benefit from periodic deep watering, especially during dry spells. When fertilizing, opt for organic methods, such as applying compost or well-rotted manure around the root zone.

Pruning Basics

Proper pruning improves a tree’s structure, promotes healthy airflow, and increases fruit production. Generally, winter or early spring is best for dormant pruning, focusing on shaping the tree and removing dead or diseased branches. Summer pruning can help manage size and sunlight penetration. Always use clean, sharp tools and make cuts at the correct branch collar to encourage quick healing.

Pest & Disease Management

Common pests might include codling moths on apples or borers attacking trunks. Organic approaches—like neem oil, beneficial insects, or companion planting—are often effective. Encouraging natural predators, such as birds and ladybugs, can keep pest populations under control. If you notice disease symptoms like fungus or bacterial spots, identify the specific issue and address it promptly with targeted solutions.

Coppicing & Pollarding

For those looking to harvest wood sustainably, coppicing and pollarding are traditional methods. Coppicing involves cutting a tree at ground level to encourage new shoots, while pollarding is done at a higher point on the trunk. Both methods can provide a renewable source of firewood, fodder, or crafting material without killing the tree.

Long-Term Strategy & Harvesting

Anticipating Yields

Different fruit and nut trees vary greatly in the time it takes for them to bear. Some berry bushes might fruit within a year or two, while nut trees can take several years or even a decade. A well-thought-out timeline ensures you’ll have staggered harvests as different species reach maturity.

Orchard Management & Future Expansion

A homestead orchard is never a “set it and forget it” endeavor. Over the years, continue to evaluate how your trees are performing. You may find that certain varieties thrive while others struggle. Successive planting—introducing new trees every few years—ensures you always have productive trees at various stages of development.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Trees and bushes aren’t just ornamental; they’re an important source of food, livestock feed, and ecological balance.
• Site evaluation is crucial—check your climate, soil, and water availability before choosing species.
• Functional choices range from fruit and nut producers to timber and support species like nitrogen-fixers.
• Proper planting with soil preparation, mulching, and initial protection sets young trees up for success.
• Maintenance tasks such as pruning, pest control, and fertilization ensure long-term health and productivity.
• Patience is key. Trees often take years to bear fruit or nuts, but the rewards are well worth the wait.

By integrating trees and bushes into your homestead, you’re not just planting a few saplings—you’re investing in resilience, abundance, and natural beauty for generations to come.

Resources & Closing

Additional Resources:

• Your local extension service or agricultural office can provide soil testing kits, plant recommendations, and guidance on pest management.
• Many online forums and homesteading websites offer practical advice, plant databases, and success stories to learn from.
• Consider checking out these recommended books
  • Edible Forest Gardens (2 volume set) – https://amzn.to/3EaKb6j
  • Tree Crops: A Permanent Agriculture – https://amzn.to/4hCcE3C
  • The Holistic Orchard: Tree Fruits and Berries the Biological Way – https://amzn.to/42yyNv8
  • Cold-Hardy Fruits and Nuts: 50 Easy-to-Grow Plants for the Organic Home Garden or Landscape – https://amzn.to/4jEljo0

Call to Action:

• Take a look at your property this week and identify potential spots for at least one or two trees or bushes.
• Do a quick climate and soil check (a simple pH test is widely available at garden centers).
• If you have questions or want to share your progress, reach out on social media or send an email. The homesteading community thrives on shared experiences!

Planting trees and bushes is a long-term commitment, but one that offers immeasurable returns for both you and the environment. Start small, learn as you go, and watch your homestead evolve into a flourishing oasis. Happy planting!

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