Most
properties have many "limiting factors" when
it comes to attracting and holding wildlife to the
property. Fact is
if there isn't wildlife on
your property by now, then wildlife will not just start
using your property
unless variables are added
to attract and hold them. For example, if there are
only a few pheasants on your property now, then releasing
more birds will not be effective. Pheasants are very
prolific breeders and will populate an area very quickly
if the conditions are right. Since there are only a
few birds now, that means there are "limiting factors"
keeping your "wild" pheasant population from
increasing. Same goes for deer, turkeys, quail and waterfowl.
Most properties also have only one or two "hot
spots" where most of the wildlife hang out. These
hot spots are where everyone wants to have their deer
stand or where you always flush that covey of pheasants,
or
it is the one pond that all the ducks always
seem to go to but there are no ducks on the other ponds.
Let's identify the limiting factors and fix the problem.
Our objective is to develop the "infrastructure"
to attract and hold more wildlife while also creating
"hot spots" all over the property. Not only
will you see a lot more wildlife on your property, but
you will also have a continuous walk of habitat changing
from trees to native grasses with food edges
and
never have to walk in the same habitat twice!
Shrubs & Conifers - Order PLM Trees early
for best stock!
Winter Core Area - Wildlife trees and shrubs
for winter habitat should consist of two components.
First a primary shrub row that acts as a living snow
fence knocking down drifting snow to reduce wildlife
mortality from suffocation and extensive energy outputs
digging for food sources. Second, thermal protection
should be designed with conifers to reduce wildlife
mortality from wind-chill. Plan and design winter habitats
with existing cover if possible but always build new
areas as well
and always protect the food source.
No tall trees should be used as they will provide perches
for predators such as owls and hawks which will be extremely
detrimental to your upland gamebird populations.
Travel
Lanes, Funnels and Corridors - Tree plantings are
fantastic travel lanes and greatly increase the carrying
capacity of the property by allowing wildlife safe corridors
from one habitat area to another. This also provides
you with extensive travel lanes and a continuous walk
around the property for a better experience in the field.
A successful shelterbelt planting depends on establishment
and care during the first few years development. Time
spent on site preparation, weed control and replacement
trees is repaid many times the lifetime of the shelterbelt.
Take no shortcuts the planning and establishment of
your ". Each project is unique and should be designed
for your site objectives.
PLM has developed and promoted the establishment of
permanent wildlife shelterbelts to protect over wintering
wildlife and their food sources. Pheasant populations
can experience winter mortalities of 70% to 90% through
very harsh winters. Establishment of a shelterbelt system
or use of cover to protect wildlife and food sources
can reduce winter mortality dramatically. These winter
survivors will result in more potential spring breeders!
If you want to see more wildlife on your property, having
adequate winter cover to reduce drifting snow, reduce
wind-chill and to protect food sources is critical.
Your property will never achieve its highest wildlife
carrying capacity if well designed and well-implemented
woody cover plantings are not included in your overall
property plan.
Trees and tree planting services are available to accommodate
both the landowner that needs a source of high quality
seedlings and/or needs assistance with planting the
trees as well.
Large and small orders accepted.
PLM has one of the best tree planting programs around!
The right equipment teamed up with very dedicated staff
with many years of experience results in high quality
projects. PLM did not take any short cuts in having
the best equipment available to make sure that site
preparation and the tree planting are done well. Through
years of experience we understand that not all site
conditions are perfect. PLM's top of the line equipment
greatly reduces issues and concerns with difficult seedbeds
and assures success of your project.
Roto-tilling strips is a great way to provide
a preferred seedbed for better root to soil contact
and increase success in the tree planting. In this photo,
strips are roto-tilled to allow installation of tree
fabric following the planting. Very clean and very professional!
Tree Fabric - Yes, it is expensive but it will
repay itself over and over. We have calculated that
the cost to install fabric right up front is comparable
to the cost of 3 years of mowing or cultivating the
trees. In addition, the investment in the fabric will
provide 3 to 5 times the tree growth due to conserved
moisture, funneling of moisture to the tree, reduction
of weed competition and just an all around nicer, cleaner
and more professional looking tree project
it is
worth the investment!
|