I live in Central Iowa and would like some input on plants that have a low attrition rate when planted within existing woodlands that have had extensive TSI performed over the past few years. Undesirable trees have either been rung / girdled or fell and removed completely. The canopy has been opened up nicely, allowing a fair amount of sunlight in year round, but would still be considered partially sunny or shady.
I haven't had much luck establishing anything other than the ditch Eastern Red Cedars that I've transplanted, but it's going to take me a decade or more just to get enough in the ground if that's all that I go with. I'm open to anything that will establish quickly and thrive and that will provide year round ground cover. My ground cover now is a mixture of all typical Midwestern undergrowth that is thick through mid fall, and then goes completely barren this time of year.
Many squirrels and rabbits, call my place home, and turkeys sometimes roost in my trees, but deer seldom bed or stay. Deer use it more as a corridor to pass through. I'd like to make my place a bit more desirable for deer to stick around. I've got food and water, just not enough thick stuff for deer to feel very secure in.
I'd like to order my saplings from the ISU DNR Nusery if possible, because all of what they sell is native to Iowa and supposed to do well here, but this is not necessary.
Thank you all in advance.
I haven't had much luck establishing anything other than the ditch Eastern Red Cedars that I've transplanted, but it's going to take me a decade or more just to get enough in the ground if that's all that I go with. I'm open to anything that will establish quickly and thrive and that will provide year round ground cover. My ground cover now is a mixture of all typical Midwestern undergrowth that is thick through mid fall, and then goes completely barren this time of year.
Many squirrels and rabbits, call my place home, and turkeys sometimes roost in my trees, but deer seldom bed or stay. Deer use it more as a corridor to pass through. I'd like to make my place a bit more desirable for deer to stick around. I've got food and water, just not enough thick stuff for deer to feel very secure in.
I'd like to order my saplings from the ISU DNR Nusery if possible, because all of what they sell is native to Iowa and supposed to do well here, but this is not necessary.
Thank you all in advance.