Dig and Sell Native Trees

By William Ruttencutter
Published on March 1, 1979
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William widens and deepens his trench.
William widens and deepens his trench.
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Having selected his sapling, Bill clips away ground brush and prunes any unnecessary or awkward branches
Having selected his sapling, Bill clips away ground brush and prunes any unnecessary or awkward branches
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William then digs underneath from the edge with this spade.
William then digs underneath from the edge with this spade.
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William gently slips the moisture-retaining burlap under the root ball. 
William gently slips the moisture-retaining burlap under the root ball. 
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Wrapping and tying the material.
Wrapping and tying the material.
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For the
For the "chop" stroke, turn the spade 180 degrees so that the face of the blade is toward the tree.
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After carefully rolling the arboreal moneymaker out of its hole, Bill's ready to load it into his pickup truck
After carefully rolling the arboreal moneymaker out of its hole, Bill's ready to load it into his pickup truck
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The
The "chip-chop" digging method: the shovel starts with its "back" toward the tree. This "chip" stroke—made at a deep angle—loosens one side of the piece of earth.
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When the trench is complete, use same method to angle in and remove the earth from beneath the necessary portion of the root structure
When the trench is complete, use same method to angle in and remove the earth from beneath the necessary portion of the root structure
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Lift out the narrow wedge of soil. Follow this pattern until you've dug a trench all the way around the tree.
Lift out the narrow wedge of soil. Follow this pattern until you've dug a trench all the way around the tree.
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White or gray birches make good shade trees.
White or gray birches make good shade trees.
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Aspens are a popular ornamental native tree.
Aspens are a popular ornamental native tree.
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The white pine produces sturdy lumber.
The white pine produces sturdy lumber.
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Maples come in a wide variety of species. Most produce sap that can be turned into maple syrup.
Maples come in a wide variety of species. Most produce sap that can be turned into maple syrup.

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 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 tree 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

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