New to the forums. Hope to see more posted here. I'm discovering that I seem to have an unusual site for my part of the world. My ten acres is covered with second-growth Oak and Hickory. I am determined to save every tree if I can, so my challenge will be how to let in enough light without knocking down my greatest assets and teachers.
Hi Chief - and welcome. We have a large acacia - type tree here, which can shade a fairly large area. Through the seasons, I prune parts of the canopy (never more than about 20%) to allow light into various areas. The tree seems quite ok with this arrangement, as it gets treated well, and spoken to frequently. Trees truly can be amongst our greatest teachers - once we learn to listen.
Hi Chief, Hope to hear more of what you do decide to do, how and the thought behind the action. I agree, you have a unique and very interesting place to work with. My first thought on your trees is that Oak will coppice so you could check out how to turn this ability to both your advantage as well as the lands advantage. (I know nothing about Hickory).
Could you consider bouncing light off light colored tree trunks or painted surfaces or the like. I have done it with spotted gums in the past to get light into a shaded spot. I too do not know your trees but if one of them has a sufficiently light trunk then clearings to allow bouncing light may be worth consideration. Good luck Chief
