Letting Nature Grow
Landowners can establish natural areas on their property by simply allowing nature to take its course. If left alone, most lawn areas will eventually grow into a shrub or forest community. Often, species such as goldenrod, asters and milkweed will appear, as well as blackberries, staghorn sumac, chokecherry, white pine and sassafras. The advantage of this approach is that it can be relatively low input. You’re letting nature do most of the work. However, you have less control over the types of plants and trees that occupy the site. And, if you’re not careful, invasive species can quickly take over. However, with a watchful eye and a little patience, you can create a healthy natural area on your property.
Here are some tips:
1. Start small. Before letting nature take its course over a large area, start with small corner of your property and see what types of species appear.
2. Learn to identify plants. This is especially true for invasives. Learn how to identify and control invasive species as they appear. You don’t want your natural area to become a refuge for undesirable species.
3. Mow the edges. Some people, including your neighbors, may find these natural areas visually offensive. Keeping a nicely mowed edge, however, can greatly reduce this perception. Be sure your natural area complies with your neighborhood ordinances.
4. Create pathways. Mow pathways into your natural areas. This allows both kids and adults the opportunity to explore the site and identify the various plants and trees. It also makes the area look more intentional rather than neglected.
5. Be patient. Natural succession can sometimes be slow. Be patient in watching nature unfold on your property.
More information is available at http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/uh142.pdf
Establishing a Small Forest on Your Property
If you have enough land, you may want to consider establishing small forested areas or woodlots on your property. The space for your new forest could range from just a corner of your property to several acres. Establishing a small forest reduces the size of your lawn and provides valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife. Forested areas also help protect streams and intercept rainwater, reducing run-off. Conifer trees planted closely together can form a visual screen and also help block winter winds, reducing home heating costs.
Establishing these patches of forest on your property requires different practices from traditional landscaping. Here are a few tips for establishing a healthy, vibrant forest near your home.
1. Start small. Establishing trees takes effort and time. If you own a lot of land you may want to only do a small section at a time. Bare-root tree seedlings are the most cost-effective for establishing forested areas; however, they do require some special care to establish.
2. Use Tree Shelters. Tree tubes are often necessary to protect seedlings from animals such as deer and rabbits. Tubes are available in different sizes through many county conservation districts and nursery catalogs.
3. Plant a Variety of Species. A diverse planting will ensure a healthy forest and help protect it from insects and diseases. Also, it will provide habitat for a greater variety of wildlife. Consider planting native, berry-producing shrubs along the edges, such as elderberry or dogwood.
4. Plant Like Nature. To mimic a natural forest, plant your seedlings in a random pattern, close together (seedlings approximately 5 to 15 feet apart.) You can always thin your forest as it ages, if necessary.
5. Control Weeds. To ensure the health and survival of your planting, it’s imperative that you control the weed competition around your seedlings. You can do this by using mulch or a herbicide in the immediate area around the seedlings. (Be sure to follow the label, and do not spray the actual seedling.) You’ll also need to mow in between your planting for several years until your forest is established.
For more information about planting seedlings and establishing forested areas, check out the following links:
http://www.acb-online.org/pubs/projects/deliverables-158-1-2003.pdf
http://www.alliancechesbay.org/pubs/projects/d-77-04152008_101519.pdf
© 2007 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources