DIG AND SELL NATIVE TREES

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You can spread a lot of beauty—and bring home more than $100 a day—when you ...

by WILLIAM RUTTENCUTTER

What's that? You want a homestead, an alternative energy source, or a unique, low-cost house that you've just designed. .. but you don't have the bucks to make it all happen?

Well, chin up and chest out! 'Cause I may have an idea that can help alleviate your financial dilemma and open up doors to the development of your project or dream. You see, I've found that I can dig and sell native trees ... and that this occupation allows me to beautify the homes of other folks while I build up my bank account! Furthermore—once you invest in a little knowledge, a bit of practice, and a few tools—transplanting native trees isn't a tremendously difficult task ... and, in most areas, you'll find an eager buyer for every sapling you can dig!

Before you grab your shovel and head for the woods, however, you should know that the "do-it-yourself nursery" business is definitely a seasonal occupation ... because the weather plays a vital part in the lives of your growing "stock". You see, trees should—if they're to have the best possible chance of survival—be transplanted when they are at least partially dormant. In the case of deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in the autumn) this "safe" period runs from just after the leaves fall until immediately before the new buds show growth in the spring.

Now evergreens, of course, don't lose all their needles (unless the tree is so unhealthy that you wouldn't want it anyway), but these pines, spruce, etc. can be transplanted with good success after the first frost and prior to the appearance of the new, lighter green growth that heralds the coming of warm weather.

In most parts of the U.S., this "digging season" will obviously be limited by the fact that the ground may be frozen solid during the midwinter. An industrious digger can, however (as you will see!), put together a pretty impressive income while the weather is "right".

IN THE BEGINNING

Probably the best way to get started—in any business—is with a little bit of self-education. This means that—first and foremost—you should learn all about your native trees ... get to know their habits, their good and bad points, etc. And, about the best way to get a "crash course" in these subjects is to locate a retired nurseryman or landscaper ... since many of these fine old men and women will be genuinely pleased to discover that you're interested in the knowledge they've picked up over the years.

In the meantime, research your state's regulations to see if any licenses or inspections will be required. Such legal "catches" are usually easy enough to comply with ... or, at least, to "adjust to".

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