Hardwood Investment Timber Trees

Transcription

1 New Investment Tree Curly Poplar Information on page 13 Hardwood Investment Timber Trees For excellent returns on your timber investments, plant genetically superior hardwood timber trees. These choice Black Walnut, White Oak, Black Cherry and Curly Poplar trees grow faster and straighter than common seedlings with a planting to harvest span as short as years. A D V A N C E D TREE TECHNOLOGY Edgerton Rd. New Haven, IN Toll-free

2 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Genetically Superior Black Walnut and Black Cherry Hardwood Trees 1 What are genetically superior trees? Years of research have proven that trees of the same species will have diverse genetics that affect form (i.e. straightness), speed of growth, seed production and other traits. Using a scientific testing and selection process, we can offer superior trees that carry the best of genetic traits. Are they as hardy as 2 other walnut and black cherry trees? In our experience, they are extremely hardy. Their resistance to disease is high and, with proper care, should experience no major disease problem. 3 Are there special requirements to grow these trees? Proper care, use of tree shelters and site/soil selection see page 6 for more details. A care and pruning guide is given with each order. 4 5 At what age will the trees reach maturity? Under ideal conditions, genetically superior black walnut and black cherry trees can be harvested as early as 25 to 30 years, depending on the soil, weed and pest control, weather and other variables. Seedlings take about five to ten years longer. The age of the tree at harvest is actually determined by the size of the log you wish to sell. When is the best time to plant? In southern zones 7 and 8 you may plant dormant trees fall, winter or early spring (November thru April). In northern zones 4, 5 and 6, early spring (March, April and May) is the best time to plant. These dates apply to our White Oak and Curly Poplar tress as well. We have successfully planted 1 to 2 months later than these dates in the spring, but close attention to soil moisture is required on late season plantings. See our zone map at or call us for more details. For 25 plus years Advanced Tree Technology has grafted, grown, sold and maintained hundreds of thousands of genetically superior hardwood timber trees in several states. Our improved trees include Black Walnut, White Oak, Black Cherry and Curly Poplar. We also have produced and sold over 2 million genetically superior seedlings from these grafted trees and currently maintain a large plantation of genetically superior trees from which we harvest scion wood and seed for propagation. The owners of Advanced Tree Technology personally oversee the collection of seed and scion wood from these plantations to ensure the best genetics in what we sell. 2 ADVANCED TREE TECHNOLOGY

3 Genetically superior black walnut trees at 11 years in Northern Indiana. 3

4 6 How long can I hold the trees upon receipt? Trees should be planted immediately upon receipt. If need be, trees can be held up to 3 days in a cool (not freezing) location out of direct sunlight. If trees need to be held longer than 3 days contact us for detailed storage instructions. 7 How far apart should they be planted? Walnut Grafts: plant at 15 ft. x 20 ft. spacing with no thinning in later years. Walnut Seedlings: plant at 15 ft. x 20 ft. spacing with no thinning OR plant 12 ft. x 20 ft. spacing and thin after 10 years to 140 trees per acre. Cherry Grafts: plant at 15 ft. x 15 ft. spacing and thin after 10 years to 140 trees per acre. Cherry Seedlings: plant at 10 ft. x 15 ft. spacing and thin after 10 years to 140 trees per acre. 8 Is there any guarantee? What if the trees die? We guarantee the plants supplied are in live, healthy condition. Once plants have left our control it is up to you, the grower, to look after them properly and follow provided instructions. In the unlikely event any trees die within the first year, they will be replaced at a reduced price. Guarantee is located on our order form. 9 How are the trees shipped? Superior seedlings and grafted trees are shipped dormant bareroot. This means the trees are dug from the field or removed from the containers when dormant and the soil is removed from the roots. Trees are packed with moist peat moss to ensure live, healthy roots and are shipped UPS/FedEx or may be picked up at the nursery. 10 How can I prevent deer from feeding on the trees? The best way to prevent damage from deer and rabbits is to use tree shelters. Additional methods are included in the instruction manual. A mixture of two dozen eggs and a gallon of milk sprayed on the foliage has worked well to prevent deer browse. 11 If the trees grow too fast, will the quality of veneer suffer? This is a common misconception. According to a study by the USDA Forest Service s Forest Products Laboratory, they found increased lignin, higher specific gravity, darker color and better tooling characteristics in faster growing black walnut. Besides, it s not the closeness of the grain but the variation that makes a beautiful veneer. Therefore, speed of growth has little to do with how attractive it is. Moreover, many veneer and furniture companies prefer the more uniform quality of plantation-grown hardwoods to provide consistency throughout their product lines. An excellent plantation of genetically superior walnut trees in Kansas. 4 ADVANCED TREE TECHNOLOGY

5 Genetically Superior White Oak (Quercus alba) We are continuing research on superior White Oak trees. The parent trees show superior form and speed of growth. We have a limited supply available at this time. The White Oak trees are grafted onto Bur Oak rootstock, which grows in a wider range of soils than standard White Oak trees. They can be planted in heavy clay soils and in moist areas. Annual growth rates up to.8 caliper inch average have been experienced in some early plantings. We now have seedling production available from our best performing grafted White Oak trees. Grafts and seedlings are both suitable for plant hardiness in zones 4-7. These seedlings will grow best on soils in the native White Oak range which can vary from rich, well-drained, flat soils to rolling clay soils with good surface drainage. Do not plant White Oak seedlings on flat, heavy, wet clay sites or high PH alkaline sites. Use the grafted White Oak on Bur Oak rootstock in these conditions. See page 2 for appropriate planting time. Planting recommendations: White Oak grafts: plant at 15 ft. x 20 ft. spacing. White Oak seedings: plant at 15 ft. x 20 ft. spacing OR 12 ft. x 12 ft. spacing and thin after 10 years to 140 trees per acre. White Oak at 4 years from an 18 graft. White Oak at 6 years old shown in winter. 12 ADVANCED TREE TECHNOLOGY

6 What are tree shelters? 15 Tree shelters are the ideal way to protect your trees and speed growth at the same time. Statistics reported in the August 1988 issue of the Journal of Forestry show that tree shelters can boost tree height more than six times above normal in the first two years alone. They protect young trees from wind, hail and even drought, as well as from deer, rabbits and other animals. Also, when contact herbicides are sprayed around young trees, the shelters protect the lower leaves from any contact with the herbicide. What are the best soil 16 types for the genetically superior black walnut and black cherry trees? There are hundreds of soil types in which these trees grow well. Generally, any well-drained rich soil will suffice. Check the soil survey map for your area. If you send us the soil survey book for your county and the soil map of your site, we will give you recommendations based on our experience. There is no charge for this service. A soil survey of your county is available Under ideal conditions, genetically superior black walnut and black cherry tree grafts can be harvested in just 25 to 30 years. from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) which is a department of the federal government. This is a valuable tool when analyzing your site. Have your soil survey sent to us and we will help you determine suitability of your site, prior to planting. 17 Proper care has been mentioned several times. What is proper care? Detailed instructions on proper care and maintenance will be provided when you purchase trees. In general, proper care involves use of mulch on newly planted trees, use of tree shelters, providing nutrients and water, proper and timely pruning, weed and pest control. 18 What government programs are available to help me? Numerous programs on both the local and national level are available. Check with your district forester, your county extension agent and your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for more information. Your initial plantation costs up to $10,000 may be tax deductible on your current year income. Any costs over $10,000 may be amortized over 8 years and deducted as well. Check out the following websites for detailed information: or loa/tax.shtml 19 Where can I get technical help? Advanced Tree Technology is experienced in all facets of production and maintenance of black walnut and black cherry trees. We plant, prune, fertilize and perform weed control on thousands of trees annually. If you need help, give one of our experts a call. K Ag Labs is a soil and plant test lab with many years of experience in genetically superior trees. We recommend you send them a soil sample to determine if you need additional fertilizer for your soil. Contact them at ADVANCED TREE TECHNOLOGY

7 10 Grafted, superior Black Cherry at 27 months.

8 3 Is the genetically superior walnut tree cultivar really that much better than common seedlings? The forest geneticist who developed the genetically superior trees estimates that only a fraction of (1%) common black walnut seedlings will have the same growth and form characteristics as the genetically superior trees. Even when given the best care, maybe 10% will produce veneer-quality wood, but only after a period of years or more. Results from our planting of superior seedlings show A prime veneer log could well be worth $2,000 to $5,000 or more in 30 years if past trends continue. that at least 60% should make veneer grade with proper care. Except for those damaged by outside forces (lightning, wind, etc.), virtually all of the grafted trees should be veneer grade if given proper care. 4 How big are the genetically superior black walnut trees Sizes are listed on order form sizes vary from crop year to crop year. Will the genetically superior 5 black walnut trees grow in my area and survive? The natural range of the eastern black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) is from southern Ontario to Texas and Alabama and from Nebraska to the Atlantic Ocean. However, genetically superior walnut trees have been planted in Florida, New England, Michigan s upper peninsula, Idaho and even on the west coast. We recommend plant hardiness zones 4B thru 8A for grafted walnut and 4A thru 8A for seedling walnut. 6 What type of root system do they have? They have a deep tap root system. A production field of genetically superior black walnut seedlings dug dormant and barerooted November thru March. 8 ADVANCED TREE TECHNOLOGY

9 Questions and Answers about Genetically Superior Wild Black Cherry Trees (Prunus Serotina) 1 What are genetically superior black cherry trees? These trees are the result of selecting trees that show superior form and growth rate, and are less likely to possess gum defects. Historically, the best black cherry originates in Pennsylvania and New York. Our trees are from these areas. Scion wood from these genetically superior trees is grafted onto black cherry root stock and then planted in research plots. Superior cultivars are then selected. 2 What are the main differences between the improved seedlings and the grafted trees? The grafted trees are genetically identical clones of the parent cultivars. The superior seedlings are grown from the seeds of these trees. The seedlings will vary somewhat from their parent trees, but should still be genetically capable of growing faster and straighter than common black cherry seedlings. Nine-year old black cherry tree

10 Questions and Answers About Genetically Superior Black Walnut Trees (Juglans Nigra) 1 What are genetically superior black walnut trees? These trees are the result of decades of research by a forest geneticist from a leading midwestern university. Originally, scion wood was collected from over 400 black walnut trees throughout the Midwest that had superior form. Through a selection process using form and growth rate as criteria, the geneticist determined the most superior trees. Over the years, through genetic selection of successive generations, trees with increased growth rate, vigor and vitality have been developed while maintaining superior form. The two most famous cultivars patented by the university are Purdue Number One and Tippecanoe Number One. What are the main 2 differences between the improved seedlings and the grafted trees? The grafted trees are genetically identical clones of the parent cultivars described above. The superior seedlings are grown from the nuts of these trees as well as the original Purdue Number One cultivars. As such, the seedlings will vary somewhat from their parent trees but will still possess much better genetics than common seedlings. Twenty-one year old genetically superior walnut growing in eastern Kansas

11 3 Are the genetically superior black cherry trees really that much better than common seedlings? Because desirable traits such as growth rate and form are inheritable to some degree, selecting trees that are superior in this regard and then selecting trees by the same criteria from successive generations produces a tree that is superior to common seedlings. After After just 4 years of growth, some of our cherry trees are 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 18ft. tall double the growth of standard black cherry seedlings. just four years of growth, some of our cherry trees are 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 18 ft. tall double the growth of standard black cherry seedlings. Will the genetically superior 4 black cherry trees grow and survive in my area? Black cherry is native from northern Florida to Minnesota and west to Texas, Oklahoma and the Dakotas. It grows well in plant hardiness zones 3B thru 8 where there is fertile, well-drained soil with adequate moisture. Our experience has been that as long as soil, nutrient and water requirements are met, these trees will do well in a very large geographical area. 5 What are gum defects? This is a common defect in cherry trees. At this point, it is not known what causes the defect. Research has shown possible causes are boring insects, genetics and burning of pastures and forests where cherry are growing. We are closely following research by the U.S. Forest Service and hope to have an answer in the future. Our current selections are coming from areas with a limited amount of gum defects and from trees which show little, if any, gum defects. These areas are also where the highest value cherry trees in the nation have been harvested. Should I consider wind 6 when selecting a site on which to plant black cherry trees? Yes. Black cherry has a shallow fibrous root system and is somewhat brittle. Therefore, a site that is protected from wind is desirable. The protection could be in the form of an overgrown fence row, a wooded area, or some type of geographical configuration. If you do not have any of these, a windbreak could be planted relatively easily and economically. We recommend windbreaks on all plantations, if possible. We also believe interplanting with poplars can provide excellent wind protection and help to improve the form of the cherry trees. Technicians grafting a few of the thousands of trees we graft annually

12 12 What is the expected average height and diameter of the genetically superior black walnut and black cherry trees? At the present rate of growth, according to periodic measurements, we estimate that in 30 years the grafted trees will reach 50 to 90 ft. in height and about 18 to 25 inches in diameter. Genetically Advanced Tree Technology has vast experience in the production and maintenance of black walnut and black cherry trees. superior black walnut and black cherry seedlings should attain that size five to ten years later. Why do the genetically 13 superior trees cost more than common seedlings? The genetically superior black walnut and black cherry trees are the culmination of almost three decades of research and development. Thousands of trees had to be planted and genetically selected before the product could be produced for retail purposes. Collecting scion wood, grafting, and operating greenhouses is very costly. The cost however, is negligible compared to the likely payback. Advanced Tree Technology has ongoing research and progeny testing, and are also planning more research and development projects in the future. We are constantly upgrading to the best reproduction methods available. We also consult with the U.S. Forest Service and various universities on tree improvement programs. 14 What kind of return can I expect when the trees are harvested? According to a major midwestern university, black walnut prices have increased over 1,000 percent in the past 35 years. A prime veneer log could be well worth $2,000 to $5,000 or more in 30 to 35 years, if past trends continue. Advanced Tree Technology has ongoing research and progeny testing. One of our research plots with over 2,000 new trees being tested

13 New Item Genetically Superior Curly Poplar Curly Poplar at 1 year old planted in wet area. Questions and Answers about Curly Poplar How fast do they grow? 1 Incredibly fast with ample moisture and weed control, 6-8 ft. the first year is possible. Annual growth rates of 1 inch caliper or more are expected, making harvest in 20 years or less possible. The mother tree at Evanston, Illinois, was 23 inches in diameter and 65 ft. tall at 24 years old. (Populus canescans x alba) PP 17,525 Curly Poplar is a cross of Populus canescans with Populus alba. The fast growing Curly Poplar produces an attractive highly-figured wood grain that makes it valuable as veneer. This tree was discovered as a naturally occurring mutated sprout of an un-named poplar tree that grew in a cultivated area in Maryland. The original plant was cultivated by Mr. Sam Grober in his yard in Evanston, Illinois, and researched by Dr. Rick Meilan at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Curly Poplar trees have an upright trunk and a round crown. They can reach 65 ft. tall at maturity with high, distinct branches. Curly Poplar is patented by Purdue University and all propagation is prohibited without express authorization from Purdue Research Foundation. See the full story of Sam Grober and Figured Poplar on our website at 2 What is the potential value of Curly Poplar? It has been estimated that Curly Poplar veneer logs could be worth as much as Oak, Cherry or Walnut because of the figured pattern in the wood. Using recent prices, this gives a 24-inch diameter log 16 ft. long a value range of $460 to $1,380 or more. The tree pictured on page 14 was 23 inches in diameter at 24 years old. We believe with proper care and a little fertilizer these Curly Poplar trees could grow to this size in 20 years or less. Curly Poplar at 4 years old

14 14 The original plant was cultivated by Mr. Sam Grober in his yard in Evanston, Illinois, 23-inches in diameter at 24 years old. Above: Natural color (unstained) veneer cut from this original tree.

15 3 What plant spacing should be used for Curly Poplar? Current research shows a 15 x 20 ft. spacing (140 trees per acre) should be a good spacing. This is similar to the spacing used in walnut and cherry plantings. You may also consider using Curly Poplar as a windbreak for walnut and cherry plantations. For windbreaks, space trees ft. apart in 1 or 2 rows around your plantation. This could provide for a valuable harvest 10 years or more ahead of the walnut and cherry trees and provide wind protection the first 15 years when it is most needed in these plantations. 4 What type of soil conditions will Curly Poplar grow in? Curly Poplar will grow in a wide range of soil conditions, from moist soils that occasionally flood to heavy clay soils with high water tables. We have trees that are growing where water was standing 6 inches deep for 2-3 weeks at a time around the trees. 5 Where will Curly Poplar grow? See page 2 for appropriate planting times. They will grow in plant hardiness zones 4-7 with at least an average annual rainfall of 30 inches per year. Curly Poplar may grow in zone 8 and possibly 9 based on the natural range of both parent species. Further testing on range continues at this time. Curly Poplar leaf formation. Curly Poplar veneer shown in different stains

16 Front cover: 14 year-old genetically superior black walnut in Northern Ohio Above: Curly Poplar at 4 years old. Above Left: Natural color (unstained) veneer. A D V A N C E D TREE TECHNOLOGY Edgerton Road, New Haven, IN Toll-free ACCREDITED BUSINESS New Investment Tree Curly Poplar Information on page 13 To purchase Black Walnut, White Oak, Black Cherry and Curly Poplar trees for investment timber or if you have a question not addressed in this booklet, please call: Advanced Tree Technology