Trees for Food

Trees for Food

Summary

Trees not only provide wildlife habitat, livestock protection and erosion control but also may provide substantial income through production of fruits, nuts and lumber.

Objectives: To demonstrate and document the feasibility and profitability of growing selected varieties of fruit and nut trees in southeastern Iowa. Three acres of fruit and nut tree seedlings were planted on highly erodible up- and lowland. The selection of trees included chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, black walnuts, pawpaws and persimmons. Tree shelters and mulching were used to control browsing and weeds.

Results: Seedling survival was excellent on all varieties. Feasibility and profitability will be evaluated when trees begin bearing fruit and nuts.