Feasibility of Forestry on small amount of land

Xios

Hey Guys,

I'm Curious about forestry, specifically the growing of evergreen trees for sale around christmas time.
I don't know much about the subject but i'd like to explore the Option.

My father has about 2 acres of fertile land which is unused.

Would I, with minimal investment be able to use that amount of land to grow these trees and turn a profit?

I consider myself educated and capable of learning quite quickly.

By minimal investment, I mean the bare essentials. I imagine I would need to purchase seeds or the newly sprouted trees. Also invest in good quality tools for cutting and moving the trees. So a high quality chainsaw and a Quadbike + trailer for move the trees. I also understand that the trees would need some care and some pesticides/nutrients and be monitored for health occasionally.

But would this be a possible source of income? What would the consequences for growing these trees be? Would the roots be difficult to remove once i've harvested? Can I consistently do this each year or will the soil need time to regenerate nutrients. I would rather not leave the field barren if that is the case.

Anyone want to share their experience?

philhunt

its possible i am growing christmas trees

paulmclaughlin

If growing and selling firewood interests you, take a look at coppicing. It is used to rapidly grow trees, usually willow, cut them to the stump, and let them regrow from that stump. Harvestable every 5 years for willow so if you get a coppice rotation going, you can sell a steady supply every year.
I'm unsure whether you could make much from 2 acres though.

Xios

paulmclaughlin wrote: »

If growing and selling firewood interests you, take a look at coppicing. It is used to rapidly grow trees, usually willow, cut them to the stump, and let them regrow from that stump. Harvestable every 5 years for willow so if you get a coppice rotation going, you can sell a steady supply every year.
I'm unsure whether you could make much from 2 acres though.

That does sound interesting, I don't necessarily want to make a massive profit, I just want to put the land to use, rather keeping it as an overgrown thicket. Looking at the land now, thinking it's probably more like 1 acre.

Tabnabs

These guys do huge trade to the general public, better profit margin too. Be worth taking a trip up there in the next few weeks and seeing how they operate.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Glencullen-Christmas-Tree-Farm/174137882619785