[Brian]

On my home property I have been planting poplar trees in an every other tree spacing next to good trees. This has allowed them to grow fast and provide some protection to the other tree next to it.

This year I started cutting and planting my own cuttings and it has worked out well, but they are a pain to keep the weeds down around.

Here is my issue: On one of my pieces of ground that is VERY sandy, I have a row of poplars to the east and south side to prevent the sand from blowing. They are starting to get older and some are falling. The pines I planted to the inside of these trees are still not large enough to help. So I am thinking of cutting down every third tree and planing new poplars around it. Some might start to sprout on their own once they have been cut, but some are dead.

Does anyone have any idea of a tree that grows crazy fast that I could also plant in the poplars spot?

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Why Trees? Could you use a brush/shrub?
I guess mebbe I'm missing it, but why are you planting these trees to begin with? Wind control? Erosion Control? You mentioned to keep the sand in place, IMO MUCH better alternatives for Erosion control then trees...
Willows grow pretty quick...

 

[Brian]

Willows suck the water from anything for up to 200 feet away. Plus they only have leaves on the upper portions and do liitle for wind.

These are wind breaks. I do a ton to this field for errosion control. It has a cover crop on it each winter. I can only lightly chisel plow it with narrow teeth to keep every but oftrash on the surface.

The trees seem to really help. I might try some silver maples. Seems that they will bush out at the bottom if they get sun and don't have to compete for it. They would live longer.

 

[sweettractors]

Lombardy Popular are the fastest growing trees I have found. Locust may come in a close second. Ken

 

[Spudland_Dave]

If your looking for a windbreak, why not something like Cedar/Spruce/Fir etc?
Spruce and Fir will grow branches that touch the ground. Some Cedars too...
Plus if you do it right and take care of them, you'll have a beautiful christmas tree you can self cut every December!

 

[Brian]

If your looking for a windbreak, why not something like Cedar/Spruce/Fir etc?
Spruce and Fir will grow branches that touch the ground. Some Cedars too...
Plus if you do it right and take care of them, you'll have a beautiful christmas tree you can self cut every December!

As I stated in my first post, I have pines (white spruce) around the outside (inside of the poplars) also. The spruce are doing well, but will not grow to be 20 feet tall in 3 years. I use the poplars to help protect the spruce and to get the height I need for more protection. Someday i will not need the poplars and I will start another row of spruce. Til then, I need the poplars.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Why waste time waiting at all? Rent yourself a spade and plant ones that are "turn key"...I think that might be the only that that fits your schedule...

Seriously though, have you checked with your local Soil & Water Conservation Office? I know that you can often get some "local" trees for cheap money that are idealy suited for exactly what your looking for. Or at least you can ask them what works in your area...