Shelter Belt Question

[HOT SPOT]

I am looking at planting a shelter belt. What I am looking for is a type of brush/scrub that grows quick. What I have is pretty much a 3 acre square piece with an old farm sight/ a grove of trees on the west side with a few rows of trees on the South side. And 180 acres of corn on the east side. That leaves the North side wide open with a road that goes right along it.

The deer like to feed in their its just every time a vehical drives by they deer leave. So what I would like to do is plant something like a brush that grows quick and will make a good block/ more comfort for the deer. I will also be planting trees along it. I just want something quick and manageable that deer like. What would you guys recommend thats actually afordable.

Thanks

[Jameson]

live stake cuttings

In the early spring(or maybe late fall) buy or better find someplace to get free plants that you can do live stake cuttings with. Basically cut a 12" stick from a willow, red twigged dogwood, or other usable shrub and plant it 8" deep. Google it for much more info.

A row or three of evergreens may be in order also. Red pine, black hills spruce, etc.

Check out your local SWCD for seedling tree sales that could be happening any time now.

[zzammon]

Jameson has a good option. Stick a dogwood branch 2 feet into mud and you will never be rid of it. However, I would suggest maybe highbush Cranberry. Grows quick and thick, and birds love the berries.

[sparkydm]

Popple creates thick cover and winter food. They will grow from cuttings stuck in the ground.

[BLACKJACK]

The deer like to feed in their its just every time a vehical drives by they deer leave.

If you want a tree to block the view from the road, think conifers, preferably a spruce, not pine. You'll be able to see right thru deciduous trees once they drop their leaves. People think evergreens are slow growing but once they get up to six feet they'll grow 1-2 foot a year.

Check with the local soil and water, they normally sell trees, bare root are cheaper, but potted will buy you some extra growth. Also ask about cost share, they might help you plant and come up with some $$$ if its a shelterbelt or wildlife planting.

Also consider some weed fabric for weed control, planting trees into sod is like planting tomato plants into your lawn, they wouldn't grow very fast would they?