Tree Selection for new nursery

[Josh Hermann]

I'm looking for info from experts in the feild. We have parcels of property in North Central Wisconsin (Shawano County) and am looking at getting into growing trees for resale to other growers, nurseries, etc. Looking to sell wholesale (nurseries, lanscapers, etc.) not direct to consumers. Could anyone provide information on a long term tree we could specialize in growing. I was looking into growing hardwoods such as maple & ash to a size sellable to nurseries or landscapers, but would like your input if this is a good direction to take. We would like to do the digging, B&B or potting, etc. ourselves but may outsource this work as well. For the past 30 years my father and I have been planting larger numbers of evergreens for wholesale to the Christmas Tree market. What type/species tree(s) do you suggest for us to learn more about and potentially plant for a sound return on the investment.

[Stonehenge]

Clump form River Birch seem to be in short supply here - I like the cinnamon colored bark.

Having a nice supply of Locust would also be nice.

And you never see much in the way of decent sized Amelanchier.

Oh yes - Norway Spruce. A gorgeous tree that seems to be iun short supply here.

[jwholden]

Josh,

In my parts designers are hungry for speicmen stock. I would consider growing what others aren't. I'm sure there are plenty of guys by you that grow Maples and Ash. Look at the trees that they aren't growing that are in short supply. Call the local rewholsale yards and ask what they wish they had.

I know a one man operation by me that started with all evergreens on 15 acres but now grows 80% specimen type nusery stock and a few evergreens.

I would consider Bloodgood Maples, Red Laceleaf Maples (over 4' B & B heavy, money in the bank), Thundercloud Plum, Viburnum, Magnolia, Umbrella Pine, Paperbark Maple, and in CT as well you hardly see Shadblow over 8' in the fall.

Hope that helps,

John

[agla]

You might want to look into how active the state or particular towns are in regulating wetlands or other resources. Where I am, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, most work near wetlands requires native plants. The nurseries are not producing or bringing in enough. If that situation exists in your area, it migt be the way to go because you could be known as "the" supplier. ...just a thought.