Food Forest

 Food Forest

"What on Earth" is a food forest?! A food forest is a fairly new concept of agriculture. However, this is different from any other form of agriculture. This for of agriculture is not maintained by man, but is let go to nature. Edible plants are grown in a manor similar to the structure of wild plants. Mother nature has perfected this over hundreds of millions of years. Imagine a forest, humans don't need to intervene at all to keep the plants alive and healthy, but we have to for most agriculture. A food forest uses native plants to mimic nature and we get food with little intervention at all. 

Most food forests use only native plants, however this isn't always necessary. So long as a plant is not invasive and is fully hardy to one's regions, it can act as a food forest plant. Most people consider natives becuase they are guaranteed fully 100% will thrive in that region and won't become invasive and hurt the rest of the ecosystem. Providing a canopy in most regions that support forests is key to prevent the soil from drying up and becoming infertile. And ground covers and lower trees and shrubs are also necessary for Maintaining a balance. We know this practice of agriculture can NOT replace conventional means of agriculture far too many people to meet those demands, however if we can transform some land to this not only will we help the Earth against many forms of pollution and climate change, it will also help with farmer shortages too. 

For example in a Ohio Valley/Great Lakes region one could plant Persimmon, Black Walnut, Hickory spp. (perhaps Shellbark and Shagbark Hickories) as the canopy, low tree layer may include American Plum, Red Mulberry, Paw Paw and others. The shrub layer may include American Cranberry, Elderberry and others. A good vining plant is a native grape vine. For the Herbaceous perennial layer one may try Pokeweed, Strawberry, edible mushrooms and others.

In other regions one may plant annuals and biennials but by mimicking the ways of nature one wouldn't have to fertilize or water, or prepare the soil every year, but with annuals the person would only have to plant every year. 

Examples of food forests from temperate to tropical regions ⬇️

Top 5 Large Evergreen Trees for Zone 5

 Top 5 Large Evergreen Trees for Zone 5

1. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Perhaps the most versatile Spruce on the market. Vsry fast growing tree that Matures to 75'+ in height and 30'+ wide. Great to screen large areas or use along as an accent focal point. Tolerates high heat and humidity better than other Spruce species. Tolerates clay soils better than other Spruce trees. Can take most soils expect wet ones, making this tree the #1 choice for landscaping in USDA Zones 3-8.

2. Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca 'Densata')

Great Spruce alternative to the Norway Spruce for smaller size only maturing to 30' tall by 15' wide (rarely to 50' in the wild). This wild variety of White Spruce is more heat tolerant than the White Spruce tolerating the sweltering summers of the Eastern US. Hardy in USDA Zones 2-7

3. 'Green Giant' Arvorvitae (Thuja standishii x T. plicata 'Green Giant')

'Green Giant' is fast becoming a popular screen tree for very large areas where the dwarf but more popular 'Emerald Green' Arboviate is too small to plant. 'Green Giant' Arborvitae can be planted in rows as a screen or alone as a focal point large evergreen statement. Similar in annual growth rate to the Norway Spruce it can grow 3'-4' per year once established. Matures to 50'-60' tall by 25'-35' wide. Bronzing of foliage in harsh zone 5 winters is not uncommon and they green back up in Spring. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8 (considared hardy in zone 4b and in protected areas of zone 4a)

4. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

This Pine has been a staple of landscaping for generations in the Eastern US. Most people associate Pines with sharp painful needles, but not this tree! It's long needles are soft as a feather. The branches sway in the wind adding a striking look to any landscape. These trees are fast growers at about 2' per year. They mature to 75'+ tall by 25'-40' wide. Hardy in USDA Zones 3b-8. Unlike other 'northern' Pines the White Pine thrives in the sweltering high humidity of the Southern states whole ALSO thriving with the 'Polar' Winters of the North. 

5. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

This tree is the most common evergreen in the Eastern US. Grows so well that in some areas in its native range it grows like a weed. High heat, drought, or even moist clay soils doesn't bother this tree. However it does not tolerate wet soils. Very much adapted to the frigid winters of the North AND the sweltering heat and humidity of the South. Matures to 25'-60' tall by 10'-25' wide. The foliage has small somewhat sharp needles when immature, but mature foliage is soft with no visible "needles". Instead of cones which we associate with Conifers, Junipers make bright blue berries that the birds love to eat. However, these are not true berries, but are in fact modified cones. The berries coat the tree from mid-Summer through the Winter. Many birds are attracted during Winter for the delicious berries (cones). Many cultivars of this tree exist that are popular in the landscape. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.

Hardy Banana

 Hardy Banana

Musa basjoo

Hardy Banana is the most cold hardy Banana tree in the world. The foliage is only hardy to the freezing mark, however the roots are hardy to -20°F when protected. They only flower/fruit in frost free regions, and the fruits are inedible. This tree is grown in regions with freezing winters as a tropical like perennial that dies to the ground every winter. They can put up anywhere from 6'-14' in a single season from the ground in Spring till Fall. When planted in the ground in USDA Zones 5-8 they must be protected around the base with extra thick layering of mulch. Placing a tarp or heated cone over it also increases the odds of survival, but most have luck with simply heavy mulch. The trunk must be cut nearly completely to the base or 2"-3" from the base, because the stem/trunk is mostly water and a freeze will cause the stem to act like a wick and freeze to the roots killing the entire plant. Ensuring little to no trunk and heavy mulching will give it the best chance to survive. Musa basjoo during the growing season prefers consistently moist but well draining soils as root rot can occur if wet. When grown as a perennial they have zero drought tolerance, but mature specimens in frost free regions will tolerate some drought however. 

Hardiness: USDA Zones: 5-11 

Herbaceous perennial in USDA Zones 5-8; Evergreen in USDA Zones 9 and warmer

Mature Size: 6'-14' tall; 20'+ tall in frost free regions

Light: Full Sun-Part Shade

Water:  Moist Well Draining

Grows best in consistently moist well draining soils. Mature specimens in frost free regions have some drought tolerance; Specimens in frost regions have zero drought tolerance. Root rot will occur is soils remain completely saturated.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level; May struggle in high alkaline soils. Grows best in moist well draining soils. They tend to rot in clay soils that don't dry quickly, amending the clay soil or placing on terrain with good drainage is best.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous/Herbaceous in USDA Zones 5-8; Evergreen in USDA Zones 9 and Warmer

Christmas Trees that Grow in Indiana

 Christmas Trees that Grow in Indiana

Nothing beats the joy of a fresh cut Christmas tree! Did you know that most christmas trees that are sold at store fronts or nurseries are usually not grown locally? The most popular and common Christmas tree is Fraser Fir. Most Fraser Firs are actually grown on the mountains of North Carolina. You can support local Indiana Christmas tree farms too! I am going to go over the best Christmas trees to grow in Indiana.

Fraser Fir does grow here, but they have difficulty with our hot and humid Summers and wet clay soils. For this reason most are grown in cooler climates and are shipped here like from the Appalachian Mountains or Canada. 

Good alternative to Fraser Fir that is nearly indistinguishable is Canaan Fir

1. Canaan Fir (Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis)

More tolerant of humid and wet clay soils than Fraser Fir. Looks identical. Is a subspecies of Balsam Fir. Less likely to suffer late spring frost damage unlike Fraser and Balsam, as Canaan breaks bud much later. Tiny very soft needles. Very dense growth. Perfect shape. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-7

2. Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Scotch Pine is a very cold hardy tree. As a long term landscaping tree, it is not recommended. They are very versatile for different soils and climates, but suffer major disease in the long term. For short term as a Christmas tree (around 10 years) it is an excellent choice. Has longer needles than Fir that are somewhat sharp, but very dense growing making it perfect to shear into a beautiful Christmas tree.  Hardy in USDA Zones 3-7

3. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Native to portions of Indiana primarily northern Indiana. Hardy throughout the state. Hot humid Summers don't bother this tree. The main thing that this tree hates is compacted soils and poor alkaline soils. White Pine gets chlorosis easily in alkaline soils and compacted clay soils. Make sure the soil is amended when planted, and if soil is alkaline to add soil acidifier to the soil. Very soft long needles that feel like a feather. They tend to drop older needles faster creating a less dense form. So it must be pruned more regularly than other trees in order to keep the desired dense shape.

4. Concolor Fir (Abies concolor)

Concolor Fir is not super common in the Eastern US yet, but is quickly gaining popularity as a Christmas tree and as a landscaping tree. Very popular out west though. Long needles that point outward and upward that resemble more of a Pine than a traditional Fir, but are not prickly at all. Gives off a citrusy aroma, and much stronger when crushed. The needles have a dark green to blue colored needle. The Blue usually stands out more than the green adding a frosted look. Since this tree is native on the Coastal mountains it is sensitive to compacted soils. Make sure the soil is amended to be well draining. Thankfully is more tolerant of alkaline soils than other Conifers making this tree more adaptable to Indiana. 

5. Virginia Pine

Not common as a Christmas tree in Indiana, more common in the South but still not overly popular choice. Native to the Appalachian Mountains parts of the South and Southern Indiana. Even though it grows in the South it is hardy even up through Northern Indiana. Hardy to -30°F. Short needles similar to Scotch Pine than compared to most Pines add a more compacted look that is suited for a Christmas tree. While not overly picky with pH, it performs best in well draining acidic soils, but will be forgiving in slightly alkaline.

Dwarf Chinkapin Oak

 Dwarf Chinkapin Oak

Quercus prinoides

Finally, an Oak SHRUB to add a new type of style to the landscape! 

The Dwarf Chinkapin Oak is a very rare small tree or large shrub in the wild and in commerce. This Oak species stays compact usually only getting 10'-20' tall and wide if never pruned. Due to its slow scrubby growth habit, it is very easy to train to a desired size of less than 8'.

Hardiness: USDA Zones: 5-9

Mature Size: 10'-15' tall and wide (rarely reaches 20')

Light: Full sun-part shade

Water:  Dry-moist

Soils: Acidic moist well draining soils are preferred. Very versatile. Drought tolerant. Will adapt to slight alkaline soils.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous

Little Henry Sweetspire

 Little Henry Sweetspire

 Itea virginica 'Sprich'

Little Henry Sweetspire is a wonderful addition to the landscape with white flowers that shoot out of the plant like fireworks! Blooms every year in late Spring/early Summer. Just when you thought the show was over, the fall color puts on a show of bright red.

Hardiness: USDA Zones: 5-9

Mature Size: 2'-3' tall and wide

Light: Full sun-full shade

Water:  Medium-Wet

Grows best in moist soils. Good drought tolerance once established. Grows in wet soils, as well as well draining soils.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level. Grows best in moist soils. Tolerant of wet and even boggy soils. Good drought tolerance once established.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous

Sabal Minor

 Sabal Minor   Palmetto

Sabal Minor

This dwarf Palmetto is perhaps the most cold hardy Palm in the world next to Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix). Sabal Palmetto is hardy to around 0°F when mature or perhaps subzero for brief periods. The Needle Palm has about the same hardiness but is said to withstand longer duration cold snaps than any other cold hardy Palm and will survive subzero temps briefly. What makes Sabal Minors so cold tolerant is the fact it's trunk and lower stems are below ground for protection. Only the oldest specimens can have small trunks and appear to be small trees, otherwise they are shrubs with fronds coming straight out of the ground. A wild cultivar called 'McCurtain' named after the county it is found McCurtain county, Oklahoma. Mature specimens have been found to survive -20°F, marking this cultivar as the most cold hardy Palm on Earth. However, the species itself is not even close to that hardy, only ones found in McCurtain County, OK have been found to be an exception. Even so being a Palm even the 'McCurtain' variety won't survive prolonged periods of subfreezing temps even if it doesn't get below zero, so protection is needed in areas colder than zone 7. Sabal Minors thrive in moist or wet areas, but can also thrive in dry sites too.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 7-11 

(Protected areas in zone 6b)

Mature Size:  3'-4' tall 

Very old specimens can have a small trunk and be tree like and be 6'-10' tall

Light: Full sun-Full shade

Thrives as understory Palms however growth will be faster in higher light level

Water: Dry-Moist

Performs best in moist well draining soils. Tolerates areas that have brief flooding or wet soils, but not consistently wet. Tolerant of drought/dry soils.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level. Not particular with soil type, but grows best in moist well draining soils.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Native Range

OP-367 Hybrid Poplar

 OP-367 Hybrid Poplar 

Populus deltoides × Populus nigra 'OP-367'

(Populus x canadensis 'OP-367')

This cultivar of a hybrid Poplar is very likely the fastest growing tree on Earth. While other Hybrid Poplars grow at 4'-6' per year, this cultivar in the right spot can grow more than 6' per year. The tree can grow to be over 50' tall within 10 years. They are capable of reaching over 75' tall in less than 20 years. This tree is rarely ever commercially available due to the fact nurseries can't compete with virtually every other tree that takes years to get to a substantial size, and the fact every branch of Hybrid Poplar can easily be propagated into new trees. However most urban homes don't want a tree growing that fast to outgrow their yard and home, so in most cases traditional shade trees are the best anyways. Cuttings are best taken when dormant to root to avoid shock with foliage. No rooting hormone is required as it releases its own natural hormone. Grows in virtually any environment from desert conditions to wet soils. However in very hot dry climates they will need some water support the first year. They also tolerate extraordinarily poor soils, and are planted near treatment plants to remove harmful waste in the soil, as they are one of the few trees that can take such pollution and thrive. For wholesale or commercial propagation cut back to the ground every year or other year and the tree will simply send new shoots from the base and this can be done indefinitely for nearly infinite cuttings to root. Can be cut for large firewood in as little as 2 or 3 years.  This tree is a hybrid Between the Black Cottonwood (native to Europe and Asia) and Eastern cottonwood (native to Eastern North America). This cultivar was selected at the Oxford Paper Nursery in New York State in the 1920s. Studies show the Black and Eastern Poplar hybrid produced the best versatility and growth of the other Poplars hybridized. The 'OP-367' cultivar was found to produce the most biomass of the Hybrid Poplars, and grow the fastest. Other online sources claim the 'OP-367' cultivar can grow up to 12' per year. However studies show the tree grows its most vigorously during its first growing season, and still very aggressive during its 2nd season. I suspect growth upwards of 6' per year continues until larger than 30' tall after a few years. 'OP-367' is a male clone so no cotton/seeds are produced. The tree is most easily sold/shipped as bare-root cuttings during dormant season, but some growers may ship them as rooted saplings. The Hybrid Poplar is hardy in USDA Zones 2-10. It grows in full sun. Not particular with soil type or pH, as it is extremely versatile. 

SOURCES

1. https://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/research/horticulture/BL805/welcome.html

2. https://www.hybridpoplars.com/free-hybrid-poplar-cuttings/

3. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/53617/#b

Weeping White Spruce

 Weeping White Spruce

Picea glauca 'Pendula'

Weeping White Spruce adds striking look to the landscape, with it's pendulous branches and tall skinny stature. Very narrow growth means it can be planted in a small space or near a foundation.

Hardiness: Hardiness: 

USDA Zones (1) 2-7

(unlikely to grow in most zone 1 locations, as summer temps usually aren't warm enough to support trees; struggles with summer heat in areas higher than zone 7)

Mature Size: 15'-20' tall by 4'-5' wide

Light: Full sun

Water: Dry-Medium 

Intolerant of wet soils. Excellent drought tolerance once established

Soils: Grows in most soils 

Performs best in well draining soils. Grows in most soil pH levels, prefers Acidic soils however.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Black Spruce

 Black Spruce

Picea mariana

Black Spruce is a great tree for wet sites and poor soil. Unlike other Spruce trees, this one grows where the soil never completely dries out. They naturally grow near bogs and swamps and occasionally near rivers. One of the most cold hardy evergreens to temps colder than -50°F.

Hardiness: USDA Zones (1) 2-6

(unlikely to grow in most zone 1 locations, as summer temps usually aren't warm enough to support trees; struggles with summer heat in areas higher than zone 5)

Mature Size: 30'-60' tall by 10'-25' wide

Light: Full sun-part shade

Water: Moist-wet

 Grows in the wettest areas, minor drought tolerance once established, young trees have no drought tolerance

Soils: Requires neutral to acidic soils; grows in the poorest soils

Intolerant of alkaline soils. Suffers in dry alkaline soils. Keep consistently moist and pH below a 7. Doesn't require good fertile soils to thrive.

 

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Oregon Green Austrian Pine

 Oregon Green Austrian Pine

Pinus nigra 'Oregon Green'

Austrian Pine has been a very popular landscaping trees across much if the US especially over the Eastern US as a landscape tree. Recently, they are dying to to diseases such as blight. Regular Austrian Pine is not recommended for landscaping. This cultivar is a compact form not getting very large, thus better suited as a landscape specimen and not very susceptible to disease. The needles are closely compacted adding texture to the landscape.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-7

Mature Size: 15'-20' tall by 10'-15' wide

Light: Full sun

Water: Dry-Medium

 Performs best well draining soils. Better tolerance to clay soils than other confiers.

Soils: Performs best in slightly acidic soils, but is adaptable to most soil conditions except wet soils.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Stowe Pillar White Pine

 Stowe Pillar White Pine

Pinus strobus 'Stowe Pillar'

Stowe Pillar is a dwarf fastigiate White Pine perfect for that small tight space! It is also great as a focal point specimen or many as a screen. Long feathery soft needles adds grace to your landscape!

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-7

(Protected locations in zone 3)

Mature Size: 10'-12' tall by 3' wide

Light: Full sun-part shade

Water: Medium

 Requires well draining soils. Intolerant of severe drought. Grows best in Medium-Moist well draining soils..

Soils: Requires neutral to acidic soils, though is tolerant of mildly alkaline soils, but is Intolerant of high alkaline soils, as chlorosis will be a problem leading to death. Add HollyTone or acidic fertilizer to lower pH level. Performs best in medium-moist well draining soils. 

 

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum

Japanese Maple is one of the oldest trees cultivated in the world. In Asia (Japan, Korea and China) it has been grown for gardens and landscaping for thousands of years. It is the most popular tree for bonsai making in Japanese culture next to wild Junipers. In the wild it is a scrubby tree only mature to 20'-25' tall and wide. In cultivation they can range from shrub forms to small trees. There is a lot of genetic variability in this species, that in fact thousands of cultivars exist on the market today. There are two categories these trees are placed in, either palmate cultivars or dissectum (aka. Laceleaf) cultivars. The dissectum cultivars have very open fern like leaves that are more scrubby rather than tree like. In the wild they have palmate foliage that are like pretty much all wild trees are green during the growing season, and their fall color turns to an orange to a deep burning red, but many in cultivation are bred to have deep red/purple leaves all season long. The most common Japanese Maples in landscaping have red foliage from Spring to Fall. Since Japanese Maples are not large shade trees, they have a slow growth rate. In many regions with hotter climates growth is about 6" per year on non-dwarf cultivars, and less than 6" per year on dwarf cultivars such as the dissectum cultivars. In ideal climates with cool summers non-dwarf cultivars can grow between 8"-12" per year and up to 6" or slightly more per year on Dissectum cultivars in places such as the West coast. 

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9

Mature Size: Typically 20' tall and wide 

Many cultivars exist with vastly different growing sizes. Most that aren't dwarf do eventually reach 20' tall and wide. Japanese Maples are notorious for getting as wide as they do tall, and sometimes slightly wider than tall.

Light: Part sun - Full shade

(full sun in cooler regions)

Water: Moist

 Prefers moist well draining soils. Adaptable to some drought once established.

Soils: Prefers slightly acidic soils

Prefers pH levels below 7. Can tolerate extremely acidic soils below pH 5. In alkaline soils add soil acidifier to lower pH level. It is adaptable to slightly alkaline soils, however it may not perform well overtime.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous

Loblolly Pine

 Loblolly Pine

Pinus taeda

Loblolly Pine is one of the most common evergreen trees in the US. It is extremely versatile and grows exceptionally well from poor moderately dry to nearly wet soils in its native range, and grows like a weed taking over fields or disturbed sites. It is perfect as a reclamation or erosion prevention tree. Wonderful as a screen due to extreme fast growth rate and versatility to harsh conditions. One of the fastest growing Pine trees in the world. It will put on several feet per year when young. While not super cold hardy, it is the hardiest of the Pines native to the deep South.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-9 (10)

(Horticulturalist Michael Dirr says he has seen them in Central Illinois but "barely surviving")

Mature Size: 40'-90' tall by 20'-40' wide

Light: Full sun

Water: Dry-Moist

 Extremely versatile. Tolerates poor soils from dry to moist and even occasional wet sites.

Soils: Performs best in moist acidic soils 

Will tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline, but doesn't perform its best. Add soil acid to lower pH if soil is alkaline. Tolerates dry to nearly wet soils. Tolerates clay to sand to anything In-between.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen