Tree tubes vs no tree tubes -- year 2.

[@adamcnessesq]

25 years ago my dad and I put tubes on hundreds of sawtooth oak bare root seedlings. The tubed trees are 40-60 feet tall now. The bare trees are less than ½ that. The tubes trippled, or better, the growth of the trees.

[@nigelsearthprojects]

Wow! Did you find do anything else to the tubes trees like mulch them?

[@troypittranspo]

Can you post a video of the trees? I would love to see them that tall at 25 years old. I think it may affect the longevity of the tree. Unfortunately, I won't be around in 300 years to find out

[@adamcnessesq]

@@nigelsearthprojects no mulch, just a 1' deep trench through an old cotton field to act as a sort of swale

[@greeneileen]

The drone shot really helps visualize the land. You've really made your mark. Keep up the good work.

[@bradlafferty]

This information came at just the right time. I am about to plant several trees and fruit shrub cuttings. Now I know how to boost their chances of taking. Thanks for taking the time to post this! New sub.

[@thekingoftheworld9553]

Can't wait to see it next spring ✌️

[@anemone104]

Look at the little oak at 6 minutes in. I reckon you can see where terminal shoots have been nibbled off - cut almost like with a pair of secateurs. You also seem to have a browse line under your canopy of existing trees. I reckon you have just enough deer to mean that the planted trees need their tubes to keep the deer from browsing them.

[@nigelsearthprojects]

Deer protection was the main reason I got them initially, the trees’ growth has been surprisingly impressive

[@troybrake5686]

The mulch helps alot, and if you had weed mats would really help

[@The_Lusitanian]

the tubes limit light from the sides, which pushes trees to grow vertically

[@Belo83]

curious why you're planting so close together, or do you intend to transplant?

[@az55544]

Yah, but Nigel, where are you located? Growing zone? Context?

[@nigelsearthprojects]

Ohio zone 6a / 5b I believe

[@d6c10k4]

I was wondering if the tubes make the tree to spindly and weak requiring them to be staked after the tube is removed. BTW, you might want to try and control all those Canada thistles I see. They can take over and be hard to eradicate.

[@waylonlegend4603]

My plan is to use the tubes until the tree reaches the top and remove and replace with 4’ wire fence. The trees will be weak is left in tube too long

[@jennzhangcn]

Looks like your land with a lot vegetation. You don’t live here. How do you control the growths of the vegetations. Do you need to mow them?They won’t be fire hazard in the heat and dry summer? I plan to buy some acreage within 15-30 mins away from my mountain cabin in high desert. Will need to talk to the county planning department to see if I am allowed to do what you do - growing trees and building a barn before building a house.

[@williamwall2744]

Tree tubes are doing good

[@nigelsearthprojects]

Thanks Will, the trees inside are doing well too :)

[@michaelgusovsky]

How are the tubes helping?

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

when you say "tube" do you say what kind or brand of "tube"? thanks

[@flyhigh5056]

what is your avg summer high temp?

[@waylonlegend4603]

You haven’t had any problems with mulch and voles?

[@nigelsearthprojects]

Not yet

[@sylviabeck7652]

Your trees seems very close together. Why?

[@Adnancorner]

o you know some quick growing tree species ? I am interested to know for temperate/Mediterranean climate. I am aware for tropical climate, but cant find med/temperate climate. Willow, pulonia/empress tree. I wanted to know the species so I can create initial biological activity and then add fruit trees.

[@IowaKeith]

sub'd so I'll get notified when you come back. See you next spring.

[@1voluntaryist]

Measure the trunk girth to compare tubed/non-tubed.

[@DrRock2009]

Those oaks are far too close together, no? 🤷‍♂️