Establishing Trees Archives - Trees For Graziers

Why We Love Willow and Poplars + The Case for Localized Production

Articles, Economics, Establishing Trees, Nursery

Willows and poplars are some of my absolute favorite silvopasture trees. They are cheap, easy to work with, very forgiving, propagate super simply, and give shade faster than just about anything else. While they may not have the upside of a Millwood honey locust,...

Precautionary Principles In Silvopasture

Articles, Big Picture, Establishing Trees, Planning

(Note: In the photo above, unprotected willow stakes were destroyed by white-tailed deer.) When it comes to developing silvopasture plans, there is a need for a combination of humility and critical thinking before one commits to a plan. Humility, because the list of...

Updates to The Grazier’s Guide to Trees

Articles, Big Picture, Establishing Trees

Hey folks, I published the first edition of The Grazier’s Guide to Trees in January of 2022, exactly one year ago as I write this. In it I shared all that I knew at the time about the best practices for establishing silvopasture, focusing especially on planting...

Taking fencing to new heights

Articles, Establishing Trees

One of the main non-negotiable expenses on a grass farm is fencing. One way or another, you’ve gotta keep the animals in. There’s a ton of different options, and all have their upsides and downsides. Treated posts are readily available, but can’t be used on...

Seeing the forage on the trees

Establishing Trees, Species Selection

Spring and fall are wonderful times to be a grass farmer. The weather is pleasant, the livestock are fat and happy, and the forages are lush. But of course, summer comes right after spring, and the lean, dry times can wipe away the memory of those beautiful lush...

The Tortoise and the Hare Plant Trees

Establishing Trees

I’m confident you know the tortoise and the hare, whether from Aesop’s Fables or Looney Toons. What you probably don’t know is that in addition to their racing careers, both were accomplished graziers. By that I mean that they both grazed, since grass is...