What do you mean by “better for deer?” If you mean for cover then Norway Spruce or White Pine are the choice as their branches will eventually leave a branchless area near the ground for deer to bed under. This video is unavailable. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. STRESS. Norways will provide a nice dark background for more showy plants which can be placed in front of the trees. *When deer bed within low-value bedding areas during the day it is because the have to, not because they want to. I recommend taking off only one inch of the growth from last year, as this puts the least stress on the tree and will accomplish what you … As you begin the ordering process for your Spring time tree plantings, conifers can be an oustanding addition to just about any parcel. Here is how I store the plugs to keep them healthy until I plant … Plant conifers in rowed and grid patterns. When the mid term planting takes shape, you can convert the EW area into additional food plot space, and you may elect to do the same when the spruce planting … Sycamores, with their distinctive bark … While U-cut operations can utilize a 5-by-5-foot spacing, larger trees could suppress newer seedlings because stands contain various ages of … Fruits, nuts and flower buds make up the bulk of a deer’s diet. Also, grass is a "2". Rowed conifer plantings are great for the ultimate level of timber production. Thanks It is tolerant of poor soil but also grows in rich, fertile soils. Deer and rodents leave Norway spruce alone. Required Norway spruce care is minimal. Picea abies is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. Look to locate these where there is a south exposure or adjacent to travel corridors and transitions to food. Because straight and grid patterned plantings increased disease, stress and warfare among grouse populations. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. When sunlight exposure increases, so does the variety and volumes of understory that will grow to add a significant amount of both diversity and FOOD to your bedding plantings. (Pine, Spruce, Fir) No tree is truly “deer resistant,” but there are a few types that deer typically steer clear of. Before showing you pictures of our plantings, I wanted to mention that we intend to plant another row of these Austree willows staggered behind the first row using clippings from this year’s willows (free). Here are the basics for creating your switchgrass deer bedding pockets: 1) In the Spring, spray when the weeds are 5-15" and growing aggressively, with a mix containing 2 quarts per acre of Glyphosate and 1 pint per acre of 2-4D. Add conifers, planted in clumps of 2-10 at a rate of 100-200 per acre within specific bedding locations, and 50-100 within your general timber stand to increase diversity and the overall holding ability of your land. Planting pine trees for deer cover seems to be popular, but spruce will often provide better thermal cover and visual screening than pine species. Oh man! I want to plant about 10 in a group. Figure 4. I have done this on two of my propertys. I will say, It takes at a minimum of 5years for the deer … Fertilize when planting and in early spring yearly with a slow release fertilizer. I guess it depends on if you are a tree farmer, or deer hunter as to which is best for you. Norway spruce cones are one the … If you plant the tree with … Also, we plan on planting some type or variety of coniferous trees (likely spruce) behind the willows to provide a long-term, year-round screen for the deer in the swamp. Pest resistant, the trees hardly ever fall victim to insect damage or disease. The Norway Spruce is wind, cold, and deer resistant. Slower growing spruce are great and provide the ultimate level of future future thermal protection with branches hanging to the ground even at maturity. They are tall and straight and of a triangular appearance, with a pointed crown. Deer feed 5xs in a 24 hour period as rhythmic patterned feeders. Those varieties of pine lose their lower branches early, and allow for a large amount of sunlight to hit the forest floor beneath. Look for smaller spacing of 5-by-5 feet for lots retailing to homeowners; lots retailing to commercial buyers should plant trees farther apart to produce larger trees. Keep in mind that North/South lengthy shapes will capture more mid-day growing sunlight, but random, irregular and evenly distibuted openings will substantially increase the diversity and overall bedding value of the planting. Attracting whitetails to your land begins with including enough of a base bedding cover to hide deer within that cover, to bed. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > Jan 21, 2016 #1 . Norway spruce has become established at scattered locations across North America, mostly in the northeastern US and Canada, with some in the upper Midwest and southern Appalachians, and a few locations in the mountains of the northwest. I prefer the latter so that the planting has a more natural look. *In this particular picture the landowner needed to use the East side (to the left) and South side to access stand locations. Mention planting for deer, and most hunters automatically assume you are talking about food plots. I planted some norway spruce last spring where there were little to no trees not expecting them to be worth anything for 10 years or more. However, those same aspects that produce quality thermal protection, also can create a virtual desert of food values. Red cedar, Norway Spruce and Cave In Rock switchgrass are just some of the monocultures of whitetail habitat that as a single, solid force, can not equal the perfect form of base bedding cover. A combination of conifers can be an oustanding practice for your deer bedding efforts. Best planted in full sun. If you are looking for a fast growing tree. The above picture is a great start! However it isn't the number of trees that is the problem but instead the way it is planted. In Europe, red deer strip the bark of Norway spruce [ 60 ]. When the disc or plow is used, you should allow for a very good environment to promote the all of the quality of early successional growth/native regeneration in the form of hardwood varieties, grasses, weeds, briars, shrubs and even other conifers, including White Pine that can be seen in the background. *Conifer plantings for deer should always be planting irregularily, randomly and with absolutely no straight lines or even grid patterns. Transplanting works best for smaller bushes and trees for ease of transplanting and improved success rates, so stick to plants shorter than you. Basically if you can find a variety that you can plant, the deer will not eat and can grow successfully it is probably a strong candidate. I have found that black locusts grow at an astronomical rate! Instead, focus on the same # of trees, but distributed in pocket plantings of 2-15 trees at a time, with plenty of space between. On your size property I would target to have 10-12 clumps of spruces spread through-out the property. But really the type of conifer isn't necessarily as important as what you combine your plantings with, and how you distribute them. In 15 years if someone visits your land the best compliment that they could give you is that they though the trees grew naturally. Wild Thing. Do you ever think of good bedding cover in terms of the available food? And that includes switchgrass plantings. Grid patterns equal boards per food and low wildlife values, non-grid patterns equal low timber values and high wildlife values. Care to buy us a beer? Mature trees (over 80 years old) have dark purple-brown bark, with cracks and small plates. For Spruce plantings, consider making multiple clumps. However it isn't the number of trees that is the problem but instead the way it is planted. Forums > Habitat Management > Native Habitat Management > Good source for Norway Spruce. Try adding faster growing pockets of Scotch or Jack pine to your plantings. Instead, focus on the same # of trees, but distributed in pocket plantings of 2-15 trees at a time, with plenty of space between. Think random, natural, uneven and you will be on the right track! Deer are creatures of stress, so it makes sense that as the stress level of bedding area increases, the use and level of attraction decreases. The tree produces cones that contain seeds in late summer and early fall. Discussion in 'Whitetail Deer Habitat' started by Mach3, Dec 3, 2009. You can plant Norway spruce in sun, shade or partial shade and it grows just the same. Because of its potential size, Norway spruce is often used as a windbreak, screen or large hedge in large-scale landscapes. How much spacing should I plant them apart? I am doing 3 groups of 10. If you are looking to do the entire 11 acres with trees, I would plant at least 3 rows of norways around the 11 acre field, Then fill in the middle with assorted hardwoods. Last year after Christmas I took down groves of poplar and some red maple. Mature buck hunting, herd and habitat techniques. Simply, it all boils down to soil type! Forums > Michigan Hunting > Michigan Whitetail Deer Hunting > Whitetail Deer Habitat > Planting Norway Spruce Plugs Discussion in 'Whitetail Deer Habitat' started by Wild Thing, Jan 21, 2016. Conifer Plantings can be an outstanding base cover depending on the soil quality, soil type and climate. However don't be fooled that the practice is also great for wildlife, in particular for deer. The management works very hard to make sure the community is running the best software, best designs, and all the other bells and whistles. Is Norway Spruce better than a White Spruce? The distance between the trees can be 2' or 10', but it pays to attempt to create the most natural looking planting as possible. Here deer love bedding in the thick evergreen plantings. *3000 trees with a 12x12 spacing may be enough to plant 5 acres, but this will result in very poor bedding habitat. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4 and is not frost tender. The young bark is a coppery grey-brown and appears smooth, but is rough with papery scales. Add Hardwood regen and you have a "6", and when all 4 bedding habitats are combined you have a solid "10". Messages: 1,470 Likes Received: 962 Location: North Carolina/Virginia Hardiness Zone: 6b. The site was also treated with an herbicide prior to planting to control competing vegetation. But planting trees and shrubs can also be an excellent way to improve the hunting on your property, whether you own, lease, or hunt by permission. Rarely should only 1 variety of conifer be planted! Our community has been around for many years and pride ourselves on offering unbiased, critical discussion among people of all different backgrounds. Photo by S. Smith . Just ordered another 1,000 plugs today to plant this spring. If you notice brown dry spots on … It is an evergreen tree, meaning it does not shed its leaves in the fall. The reason in the study? This would allow for more individual doe groups to exist and thrive. Discussion in 'Native Habitat Management' started by weekender21, Jan 4, 2018. weekender21 Well-Known Member. I think the best time is right before the new growth starts in the springtime and this is anytime after March 1st until the new growth starts to grow out. There is no doubt that a nice food plot will attract and hold deer in an area. I plan on planting this spring Norway spruce for deer cover and bedding in winter. And for the record, deer will eat norways too! It's best to plant the tree as soon as you bring it home from the nursery, but it's important to avoid planting the tree during extremely dry weather and to give it at least six weeks to develop before the first frost of the season.. In low availability habitat areas, both conifer plantings and various grasses can truly hold amazing deer numbers but it is typically because there are simply, no other choices. Brian offers his tips on planting bare root Norway spruce for road screening, windbreak, and general wildlife habitat improvement If you have high quality soils with plent of sun...try Norways. *Although conifers and various grasses can be a pretty poor choice for bedding habitat alone, they are great when combined. You should, and this is especially true for conifer plantings! Think of it this way, there are four bedding area types: If you think in bedding habitat values with a "10" being the best, a conifer planting alone is a "2" (and that value is decreased to a 1 or less when planted purely in rows or grid patterns). Figure 3. Also when a tree is set back, in front of it is a nice place to insert a beautiful ornamental tree. This is critical when it comes to creating quality bedding cover because deer need to feed twice during the daylight hours. These conifers were planted on an abandoned strip mine site. This will help the roots establish and increase the tree's ability to deal with harsh weather. Messages: 10,489 Likes Received: 28,040 Location: Iron Mountain. The distance between the trees can be 2' or 10', but it … *3000 trees with a 12x12 spacing may be enough to plant 5 acres, but this will result in very poor bedding habitat. Check out this, "Switchgrass Plantings For Deer Guide". The # of spruce in each clump … The very shallow, spreading root system benefits from a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture. *Are you creating hardwood hingecuts or timber harvest activities on your land? If you have poor, sandy low ph soils and either partial shade or full sun...try Whites. Watch Queue Queue. Give your freshly transplanted Norway spruce at least six weeks to develop before the first frost of the season. Then on my back woods planting a row cause my neighbor clean on his side of the fence row. Norway Spruce rarely need to be trimmed but it can be done to help even out the growth. ↑ Habitat. White spruce tend to stay thick at the base which deer don’t like because they can’t see predators coming. Now it to bare. Deer have options, and often at a level many times greater than native grasses alone. I'm thinking about planting Norway spruce as a screen on one of my property borders and possibly plant … *Are you considering planting switchgrass? In those areas...keeping the existing rows can greatly reduce the potential for deer/human encounters by offering a level of diversity and food value that is many times higher towards the interior of the stand. ). Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. However combine them and you will be left with a "4". Total: 49 (members: 1, guests: 27, robots: 21), (You must log in or sign up to reply here. However, the base of conifer plantings or various grasses such as switchgrass alone again, is a very low value bedding cover (1-2/10). Twigs are … I have experienced many times over that this is true for whitetails as well, and most likely most wildlife species. They can grow up to 90 cm in the first couple of years. It is not a tree for smaller yards. We are working every day to make sure our community is one of the best. With a heavy disc diversity can be added very quickly. If you use a 20' wide swath of Egyptian Wheat (EW) for your short term screening option, you can plant the EW adjacent to the food plot, followed by a 20' width of switchgrass, speckled alder or miscanthus for the mid term solution, and then a few alternating rows of Norway Spruce, spaced 5-6' apart, for your permanent solution. Its native habitat includes mountainous areas of Europe and Asia. To alleviate compaction, the soil was ripped prior to planting. I have been planting Norway spruce in place of the harvested pine and as screens around my food plots and access trails. But I thought they might be helpful for when I need to use a blind strategy. What is the best way to make sure that deer stay off your access routes? Its establishment in North America is largely a function of where it has been most widely planted, and it could likely … Choose a place to plant the Norway spruce: Don't plant it too close to sidewalks, buildings or street right-of-ways. Special Care Tips The habitat that surrounded my client's land featured 100s of more of potential bedding areas, than actual deer. When using Norway Spruce for privacy screening, you can plant them straight in a row or stagger them. *This critical conifer planting tip, as well as most any other whitetail related strategy, is covered in my recently completely trilogy of Advanced Whitetail Strategy books, including the recently published"Mature Buck Success by Design", which details how to scout, prepare, forecast for and consistently kill mature bucks. When properly cared for, the Norway Spruce rarely has issues with pests and disease. While you don’t need a ton of soil along with it, make sure you include at least enough … I have seen endless debates concerning things like this and there is really no correct answer. These Norway spruce were planted in a dense clump to provide wildlife cover. Norways have a faster growth rate of many conifer species and fill … Norway spruce is not a preferred browse for moose in Scandinavia; young and middle-aged stands of Scotch pine form habitat preferred by moose over mature Scotch pine-Norway spruce forests and bogs . Try this: *Remove at minimum of 1/3 of the conifers by using a heavy disc or plow to create wildlife opening pockets. I could not believe it. *Bedding cover choices of conifer plantings, as well as various grasses including Switchgrass, Indian grass, Big and Little Bluestem offer little to no food value during the daytime hours. Anyways, if I had to do it again I would plant a combination of Norway spruce and pitch x loblolly pines. But, those options are scarce for part of the year, and so deer feed on tree buds and bark instead. *Conifer, as pictured above, can become a great base cover similar to various grasses and weeds. *Long ago, MN grouse studies showed that staggered rows and irregular plantings of trees increased population #s 10Xs over straight, grid pattern plantings. The norways are great trees but grow MUCH slower than a lot of people advertise, unless you take a lot of care to maintain weeds, etc. In an effort to relax and wind down from a long day, I had just sat down, flipped on the television to my favorite hunting channel and proceeded to watch a self-proclaimed habitat “expert” actually promote planting a non-native, invasive shrub called autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) as a visual screen around his food plot. Care of Norway Spruce Trees. Quick Growing, Deer-Resistant Trees. Norway spruce is a fast-growing evergreen conifer which can reach 40m and live for up to 1,000 years. We'd really appreciate it! I had deer using the poplars as wind breaks and were feeding aggressively on … However, keep in mind that food and diversity drive the quality of a bedding area, and that ultimate "10" combination can only be achieved when all 4 bedding types are established in the same location. Avoid planting the tree during dry weather, and try to plant it as soon as you bring it home from the nursery. What Tree Can I Plant That a Deer Will Not Eat and Destroy? Find one of two planting distances for Norway spruce in tree farm operations. Norway spruces are one of the most rapid growing evergreen trees in the world. Does poorly in shade conditions. Rowed conifer plantings are also great for screening habitat to allow you to access undetected to deer stands, in particular along parcel borders. Watch Queue Queue