Living in the woods is sort of like living anywhere else, except for a lot more trees and a lifestyle tied to nature and the seasons. Just like anyone else’s home, my home is a work in progress. This work in progress includes the creation of a fruit orchard.
Not too long ago the wife and I were visiting a friend’s place. They have beautiful fruit trees, productive grape vines, and a beautiful yard. Shouldn’t have taken the wife. When we returned home she announced, “This place looks like a dump! Why can’t we have fruit trees, too?” Well, looking around at the trees around our place told me the reason and I was about to share it with her but I knew better. She had that “We can do anything with a bit of hard work” look on her face. I just called some friends to line up help.
It would be nice to just go to the store, buy a few fruit trees, plant them, water them, and eat but my life is never so easy. Like I said before, my home is a little different than most because of the trees. The same trees that give shade in the summer and keep the frost off in the winter are in the way when fruit trees are concerned. The trees have to come down as much as I hate to admit it. These trees aren’t the magnificent, graceful live oak trees that last for 100 years or so; these trees are water oaks with a life span of about 20 years. Some grow older but many don’t. They grow very tall then die. Since it is about 20 years, or maybe a little more since the trees first came up, they are near their harvest time. Besides, they don’t have pears growing on them.
Proposed Orchard Site
First, limb the tree.
What am I going to do with the trees? Some of the wood is firewood for friends in need. We might not be in Minot, North Dakota at 40 below, but it has been a cold winter and 20 degrees is cold no matter where you live. The other wood, especially the long, straight parts, are being lumbered out. The wood will then go to the barn for drying then will be used for building and projects.
Wood to be lumbered out.
Today is move the rabbit hutch day. We haven’t had rabbits in a long time so why keep the cage? A good buddy is getting that. The rest of it, the poles and roof, will be a place to store lawn mowers and keep them out of the weather. Nothing will get wasted if possible.
Old Rabbit Shelter
We’ve already taken down fence and cut a few trees. Can’t even think about picking out the trees yet though I sure want to. I’ll keep y’all posted on our progress.
Post by Dan Patterson of MetalWoodsnWater etsy.
No comments:
Post a Comment