Apex Tree Professionals
3705 N 4100 W, Cedar City, UT 84721
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#Growing Commercial Trees for Profit
**Commercial tree** growing can be a lucrative business if done properly. Choosing the right trees to plant and caring for them over multiple years until harvest requires research, planning, hard work and some luck with weather and pest conditions. This article provides an overview of considerations when deciding whether commercial tree farming is right for you.
##Choosing a Tree Species
Numerous types of trees can be grown commercially, each with their own soil, climate and care requirements. Do thorough research to select trees suited to your property's unique characteristics. Consider factors like climate zone, annual rainfall, soil type, topography, susceptibility to pests and diseases, and local timber prices.
Popular commercial trees like pine, maple, oak and walnut can be profitable, but also research specialty trees producing nuts, fruit, ornamental wood or other products. Contact your state's agriculture or forestry extension office for guidance to match appropriate species with your site.
##Preparing the Site
Proper advanced site preparation sets your tree plantation up for success. Remove existing vegetation and grade the land appropriately. Some trees like good drainage, while others prefer wetter soils.
You may need to rip subsoil, apply fertilizer, improve organic matter and adjust soil pH based on the needs of your chosen species. Installing an irrigation system can help trees establish.
##Purchasing Tree Seedlings
Order healthy tree seedlings of a high-quality variety from a reputable nursery. Specify the intended growing site's characteristics so they supply suitable species and stock.
Evergreens like pine or fir and hardwoods like oak and maple can be purchased as bare root or containerized seedlings. Nut trees like walnut, chestnut or hazelnut are often sold as grafted saplings to propagate superior nut characteristics.
##Planting Trees
Follow best practices when planting seedlings, including proper spacing between trees, digging wide planting holes and avoiding J-roots. Fasten any bare root trees in place so soil makes full contact. Water each tree well after planting.
##Caring for a Tree Plantation
Tending your plantation gives your commercial crop the best chance to grow into a valuable harvest. Offer supplemental water during droughts, prune branches for optimal growth habit, and keep competing vegetation in check.
Install plastic tree guards or fencing to protect against deer, rodents and equipment damage. Monitor for signs of disease or damaging insects and apply organic treatments promptly when found.
##Thinning the Stand
As your plantation matures, thinning becomes necessary to reduce overcrowding and concentrate growth on your best specimen trees. Removing inferior, damaged or slower growing trees ensures adequate air circulation, sunlight exposure and soil nutrition get directed to your healthiest trees.
Thinning also provides periodic income from selling the wood removed. Expert assistance is recommended to determine optimal timing and selection of trees when thinning commercial stands.
##Harvesting Trees
You invest years waiting for your trees to reach sufficient size and value at harvest time. Determine the best time to harvest based on species, growth rate, health and product prices. Hire a professional logging company to efficiently and safely fell, transport and mill your trees.
Portable sawmills may come directly to your property to convert logs into sellable lumber. Or trees can be sold standing or delivered to mills as timber. Don't leave money on the table - let licensed foresters appraise your trees' current market value.
##Finding Buyers
Research viable markets in advance so you know where to sell your end products when trees are harvested. Determine if local mills will buy your logs or if you need to truck them longer distances.
Hardwood lumber or specialty products like walnuts may ship across multiple states to reach wholesale buyers. Consider manufacturing your own secondary products to increase profit.
##Managing Expenses
Serious planning is vital when budgeting the significant upfront and ongoing costs over many years of establishing a commercial tree plantation. Be realistic when estimating expenses like seedlings, site preparation, maintenance, taxes, insurance, equipment, fuel, labor and more.
Most farmers cannot entirely self-finance a commercial woodlot, instead using loans or federal forestry programs. Be cautious about taking on too much debt. Consult with financial professionals to create a sound business plan.
##Realities of Commercial Forestry
While growing and selling timber can become a good stream of revenue, this long-term crop requires much nurturing before payoff. Patience and persistence will be necessitated. Startup costs may take years to recoup. Have realistic expectations about profits, which depend upon tree species, future market rates, site productivity, weather and more.
Do you have the commitment level needed to properly establish and tend trees for years until harvest? What happens if disease or wildfires strike the plantation? Determine if the risks and rewards of commercial trees fit your financial capacity and personal temperament.
##Getting Help
Those new to managed forestry are advised to seek assistance from consultancies, agriculture extension agents, state foresters and industry associations. Take courses in silviculture. Join groups like small woodland owner organizations to access knowledge and marketing leverage.
With proper planning, patience and care, planting commercial trees can be rewarding for individuals boasting the interest and resources to invest in growing a future timber, nut or specialty crop. Consider both the opportunities and demands before establishing your tree plantation.
**Cedar City Tree Services**
Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Tree Services, TREES, TREE CARE, TREE LANDSCAPING, ~Cedar City UT Tree Services, Tree Stump Removal, Tree Care,
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