Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Sixpence on January 19, 2007, 11:15:15 PM

Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Sixpence on January 19, 2007, 11:15:15 PM
I was thinking of planting a walnut and pecan tree(eastern ma. is in zone 6 and I hope a pecan can survive).

The question came to me, why do I not see people plant fruit and nut trees? I see one once and awhile, but not often. Is there a hidden problem with having a nut or fruit tree? I want to plant a cherry tree too.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Yeager on January 19, 2007, 11:17:26 PM
I find myself inspired to wit:

The Trees
=======
There is unrest in the forest,
There is trouble with the trees,
For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas.

The trouble with the maples,
(And they're quite convinced the're right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light.
But the oaks can't help their feelings
If they like the way they're made.
And they wonder why the maples
Can't be happy in their shade.

So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights.
"These oaks are just too greedy;
We will make them give us light."
Now there's no more oak oppression,
For they passed a noble law,
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet, axe, and saw.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: nirvana on January 19, 2007, 11:22:09 PM
Because if you plant one tree, 50 more want to grow, that's true for most trees, some more then others.  I've been trying to convince my parents to plant some fruit trees for some time now to no avail, they want a weeping willow.  Not my house, not my choice.

Good luck with the walnuts and pecans!
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Mark Luper on January 19, 2007, 11:27:19 PM
( Chorus )

Why do you whisper, green grass...
Why tell the trees that it's so...
Whispering grass don't tell the trees...
Cause the trees don't need to know...


Oh don't you tell it to the trees,
Cause they will tell the birds and bees,
And everyone will know...
Cause you told the blabby trees...
Oh you told them once before...
It's no secret,
Anymore...

        ( Chorus )



Sorry Sixpence, that old Ink Spots song just burbled up when I read your post.

Have fun with your trees. I would like a Cherry tree myself. Love working with the wood.

Mark
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Maverick on January 19, 2007, 11:31:02 PM
Our second to last house had about 8 different citrus trees in the back yard. They were there when I bought the house so I didn't plan any of it. They were great for nice juicy red grapefruit and a TON of lemons. We couldn't use all the lemon juice and ended up freezing a few gallons to either use in fresh lemon pie or to give away.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: StarOfAfrica2 on January 20, 2007, 12:01:37 AM
Dont put the tree where the nuts will fall on the house or a car, unless you want to watch your insurance .......... ummm, go through the roof?  :)

Seriously, the reason people dont plant nut trees in their yards is because they dont like nuts falling on their heads, their cars, or their roof.  Not to mention you run over them with the lawnmower and they become instant missiles.  Great for putting a window out.  Also, nut trees attract squirrels, and I dont care how cute people think they are the little bastiges are just evil.  Make good stew though.  

As for fruit trees, same thing.  Cherries arent so bad, pretty blossoms too.  Watch out for the bees in the spring.  Cherries can make some neat little missiles from a lawnmower too, but wont do near the damage of a pecan or walnut.  Ever seen walnuts fall off the tree?  They get the size of baseballs and can weigh a pound.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: rpm on January 20, 2007, 12:22:32 AM
The reason you don't see a lot of people do it is the same reason you don't see a lot of people grow gardens. They are a huge PITA to take care of. Fruit and nut trees require a LOT of attention or they will go fruitless or die.
Nut trees tend to be a bit tougher than fruit, but both are very susceptible to weather, disease and parasites.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: lambo31 on January 20, 2007, 12:28:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by StarOfAfrica2
 Also, nut trees attract squirrels, and I dont care how cute people think they are the little bastiges are just evil.  Make good stew though.  
 



this is hilarious SA2, thx.


Wife and I bought our current house with fruit trees and we love it. I highly recommend Fig trees, absolutely delicous.


Lambo
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Dago on January 20, 2007, 08:18:41 AM
We had a cherry tree in the backyard where I grew up, it wasn't any work, and I loved the cherrys.  Made great pies.  Birds took care of the cherrys if we didnt bother with them.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: eagl on January 20, 2007, 09:20:08 AM
Fruit and nut trees need a little bit of extra care to be productive.  They can also take a year or two before they produce anything.  With nut trees, it takes some experimentation to figure out how much water they need and what kind of soil they want to produce decent nuts, and then you have to figure out how to roast them...  It's more trouble than most people think it's worth.

My Dad has a macademia tree (I think that's what it is) and he puts a net over the tree to fend off critters and a net under the tree to collect the nuts so they don't fall on the ground.  He also has a couple of avocado trees.

I personally like orange trees... They are fairly easy to maintain and at least where I grew up in San Diego, they'd produce almost all year.  Very tasty if we gave it the right amount of water.  Too little, they were crummy.  Too much, and they'd burst on the tree before they were ripe.

Apple trees can be nice too but I think the whole pollination thing might be tougher with them, not sure though.  Check with the local plant nursery before buying to see what grows and produces in that area.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Skuzzy on January 20, 2007, 09:27:07 AM
I grew up with peach trees.  Thousands of peaches every year.  Thousands of rotten peaches on the ground every year.  Thousands of pits in the yard all yeilding more peach trees!!!  They woiuld not stop, they kept growing and growing and sprouting off of anything moist,...they took over the yard, the whole yard was a jungle of dead fruit, you could hear them laughing at you.  The stench would overcome you, make you dizzy,..there they are again.  I know they are preparing something diabolical.

I know they are coming!!!!  PROTECT YOURSELVES!!!!!

ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uh, dunt plant peach trees.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: storch on January 20, 2007, 09:31:21 AM
we have some pretty old live oaks and laurel oaks on our and adjacent properties.  this time of the year they shed their leaves some times it's hard to see the road for the leaves.  plant a palm and attach a heating element until global warming makes taxachusetts habitable by reasonable humans and reasonable trees.  you'll be glad you did.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: eagl on January 20, 2007, 09:32:24 AM
mmmm... fermented peaches....  You get lots of drunk critters around the house skuzzy?  Not many things funnier than watching drunk racoons and other animals stagger around the yard.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Skuzzy on January 20, 2007, 09:36:08 AM
You will not find any fruit bearing nothing in my yard.  I grew up with it and grew out of it as well.

But, yes, we used to see all manner of drunk animals in the yard.  Cats are really funny when they lose thier sense of balance and do not realize it.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Dago on January 20, 2007, 10:50:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
You will not find any fruit bearing nothing in my yard.  I grew up with it and grew out of it as well.

But, yes, we used to see all manner of drunk animals in the yard.  Cats are really funny when they lose thier sense of balance and do not realize it.


Put a cat on an office chair that spins, slowly start spinning the cat, working up to a good speed.  Cat will get all dizzy.  Put him on the floor and watch him flip around as he tries to figure out which way is up.  Funny.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: squealer on January 20, 2007, 10:51:22 AM
Hug away you hippy......Pass me that joint man.....:rolleyes:
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Flatbar on January 20, 2007, 11:52:37 AM
A small investment in a few fruit trees will pay off big when you sell the property.

In 1966 my parents bought a tract home, 1700sq/ft, for $19,500. We planted eight trees of various fruits. Total cost was about $30 per tree.

When we sold in 1976 we got $80k, the trees had increased the value of the house by an average of $1,900 per tree. That house is now listed at $1.4mil.

Depending on the market and location, fruit trees can be a great investment if you stick around until they have matured.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: john9001 on January 20, 2007, 01:25:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Flatbar
When we sold in 1976 we got $80k, the trees had increased the value of the house by an average of $1,900 per tree. That house is now listed at $1.4mil.
 


HOUSE FOR SALE
for sale, so cal 2br 1ba fixerupper 2.5 mil,a steal, move fast on this one.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: DREDIOCK on January 20, 2007, 06:51:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
I grew up with peach trees.  Thousands of peaches every year.  Thousands of rotten peaches on the ground every year.  Thousands of pits in the yard all yeilding more peach trees!!!  They woiuld not stop, they kept growing and growing and sprouting off of anything moist,...they took over the yard, the whole yard was a jungle of dead fruit, you could hear them laughing at you.  The stench would overcome you, make you dizzy,..there they are again.  I know they are preparing something diabolical.

I know they are coming!!!!  PROTECT YOURSELVES!!!!!

ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uh, dunt plant peach trees.


Looks like Skuzzy got hold of some that fermented :p

Damn I shoulda went a couple posts farther.
someone beat me to the punch

Peach punch that is
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Nilsen on January 21, 2007, 03:59:44 AM
We have apples, plums, pares and sweet cherrys. Some we eat and some of them my inlaws makes wine from. It is abit of work, but it only takes about 5 minutes every week and abit of time in the spring and fall to take care of it. The missus loves to do that so i wont stand in her way.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: AWMac on January 21, 2007, 04:10:02 AM
Quote
Originally posted by eagl
mmmm... fermented peaches....  You get lots of drunk critters around the house skuzzy?  Not many things funnier than watching drunk racoons and other animals stagger around the yard.


LMAO I remember my Grandma over reacting because the birds were falling off the roof in Toledo, Ohio.  She cringed each time the birds laid in the snow thinking the cats would get them.

The birds were drunk. The fruit tree by her apartment offered a good supply of fermented fruit.  I remember scouping up the birds to keep them from freezing... warmed them up a bit and set them loose.

Man I miss my Grandma... she had a good heart.

Mac
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Obie303 on January 21, 2007, 04:33:53 AM
Any type of nut tree that you plant, you need to plan on at least two (2) for any nuts.  It has something with the pollen and male & female flowers in the springtime.  As far as the cherry tree, I don't recall ever seeing any up here.  I don't know if they can survive the frost.  My suggestion would be pears.  Its a hearty tree that can survive the worst winters.

This is all I can remember.  My grandfather was the green thumb many, many years ago.  He made me do all the weeding in the garden!:D   Good luck either way!:aok

Obie
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Dago on January 21, 2007, 08:19:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Obie303
Any type of nut tree that you plant, you need to plan on at least two (2) for any nuts.  It has something with the pollen and male & female flowers in the springtime.  As far as the cherry tree, I don't recall ever seeing any up here.  I don't know if they can survive the frost.  My suggestion would be pears.  Its a hearty tree that can survive the worst winters.

This is all I can remember.  My grandfather was the green thumb many, many years ago.  He made me do all the weeding in the garden!:D   Good luck either way!:aok

Obie


Yeah, Cherry trees can survive frost, even snowy winters just fine.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Halo on January 21, 2007, 09:03:08 AM
We used to have apple trees that occasionally bore so much fruit they looked like weeping willows humped over to the ground with yellow globes.  Easy picking.

Grew up around several kinds of fruit trees.  All were more work than nonfruit trees whether you tried to harvest the yield or merely dispose of it.  As others have said, don't plant any fruit trees near a house or vehicles.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Flatbar on January 21, 2007, 12:37:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
HOUSE FOR SALE
for sale, so cal 2br 1ba fixerupper 2.5 mil,a steal, move fast on this one.


Real estate prices have been out of whack here for decades. Someone said California was the place to be back in the '60s and the place has been going down hill since.

I blame it of the Clampetts.

Foreclosers are up all over the country, a market correction is unavoidable and a lot of people are going to get hurt by it.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Dux on January 22, 2007, 05:03:15 PM
Sixpence, we had a Cherry tree in our yard when I was growing up, only about 25 miles west of you. It did very well through all the winters and frosts and blizzards ('78!).

We had to cover it with tobacco cloth to keep the critters off of it... dunno if you can get that stuff anymore. Bluejays will make short work of the fruit.

My mom has blueberry bushes (the size of trees now) that have been producing enormous quantities for over 40 years now, too.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Sixpence on January 22, 2007, 05:26:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Dux
We had to cover it with tobacco cloth to keep the critters off of it... dunno if you can get that stuff anymore. Bluejays will make short work of the fruit.


Hmm, didn't think of that. I have decided on bing cherry trees, but they won't be in til spring.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: boxboy28 on January 23, 2007, 09:59:47 AM
We had some cherry trees but  the second those damn thing got even near ripe every bird for miles around attacked that thing and picked it clean........mom and brother(his trees) put one of th3e mesh net type of things over it but those birds still managed to get most the cherrys!


Nutz  lol how about ........ BIG BLACK WALNUTS?   we had 3 of those trees that were very old and been there for longer than i was alive.........they dont seems so back when they have that green fleshy covering(till it rots off) but those nutz on the inside...................Hard er than diamonds i swear!    they would kill a mower blade and any one standing around when you were mowing.   i dont know why they called em black walnuts unless its because thats the color of the rotting flesh.     and if you wanted to makew them edible you had to get them out of that nasty stinky rotting flesh and then roast them in the over for gawd knows how long.
Title: Ok, I am a tree hugger
Post by: Maverick on January 23, 2007, 12:07:15 PM
They called them black walnuts because that rotting pulp stained everything it came in contact with.....black.