Food plots can be expensive and time consuming, even with larger farm equipment. In previous years, we planted a four-acre field in corn and clover, but it didn’t seem to attract deer. For the past five years, the field had grown in weeds and small trees. Then, the Maryland DNR proposed that we plant it in trees as part of the Heathy Forests Healthy Waters (HFHW) Program.
A Great Head Start
Our agreement with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay included clearing the field that had some trees nearly 20 feet tall. Our hunt club agreed to keep the trees for at least 15 years with no restrictive easement necessary. After the third growing season we will take responsibility for mowing the plot and taking care of the trees until they become established.
Rent What You Need
We are excited to save the planet by planing trees, but also don’t mind if they are apple, persimmon (aka deer candy), and a variety of oaks. Tackling a project like this can seem daunting, but the secret is to rent equipment. Owning tractors and farm equipment requires maintenance and will be expensive over time. Instead, rent the gear you need, and you can probably knock out the whole project in a single day.
Plant to Maintain
If these rows to trees look wider than normal, you are correct. We own the blue tractor shown above and specifically asked that trees be planted so that we can mow and maintain the plot with that equipment. We won’t actually have to do any work until 2027 when we hope the trees will be above the protective sleeves and well on their way to mast production.
Check Out a Similar Plan
Since the Mid-Atlantic states drain into the Chesapeake Bay, your club or group can probably use this exact plan if you live within these boundaries. Bowhunting.Net is a national site and we encourage you to explore a similar program in your area. One of the best things anyone can do for wildlife, the planet, and nature in general is to plant a tree. There are programs that will actually pay you to plant trees, so this can be a capital gains project if you don’t mind the paperwork. All the contact information you need is in the image above and we encourage you to explore its possibilities.