Future Acreage

So, my in-laws were kind enough to agree to sell us 5 acres of land which is just over 3 miles from my office (very sweet!) Heather and I hope to build our (her) dream home on. Its been untouched for years and years and nature has taken over. The majority of trees are Black-Jack Oaks which can turn into giant shrubs if left alone. Intermingled among these are some very cool Elms and more desirable species of Oaks. My Saturday workout for the last 2 winters has been to try an tame this wilderness. I didn't get good pictures before I ever started. I did take some this fall (08) and this is roughly what I started with:

Here are some shots from a bit farther back: sides are from the fall, middle is this winter



I can usually handle a couple of hours before I've had it. This is an area around an elm tree that I really like and have spent a lot of time clearing out.



I've accumulated a bit of a brush pile:



My dad and I planted 7 trees (5 maples) in some of the open areas. Unfortunately in the fall the deer stripped the bark on the maples. The Jury is still out but I tried to protect the ones that were left with a fence.


I learned the hard way that fall, after the first freeze 'til spring is the time to work in the brush. I went out in the summer and became a gracious host to dozens of ticks. I think I'll have it taken care of in about 10 yrs.