Alachua, FL (August 5, 2025) – Proper site selection and land preparation will improve plant production.
The realtor’s mantra: “location, location, location,” implies that one entity will be more successful than another similar one if it’s in the right place. The same applies to trees in a mast orchard. Selecting the right site on a property can enhance the productivity of plants from Chestnut Hill Outdoors.
The process is straightforward and relatively simple. It starts with consideration for slope, aspect, soil moisture, and sunlight. Optimal conditions are similar for most mast species, including fairly flat ground, well-drained soils, and direct sunlight. Chestnut Hill Outdoors provides specific recommendations for all our stock if there’s any doubt.
This step also calls for consideration of microclimates, as landscape features can result in subtle variations. For example, open ground on south-facing slopes will be warmer and drier, while bottomlands or a northern aspect could result in frost pockets where cold air or late frosts settle and linger, possibly retarding growth and mast production.
When selecting sites, consideration should also be given to how different mast species might interact and complement other landscape features. Mast orchards planted closer to food plots, bedding cover, or travel corridors will be more attractive and used. Planting soft mast shrub species next to hard mast trees creates more edge cover, which is preferred by deer and other game species.
Once chosen, the site might need some pre-planting preparation, particularly if optimal conditions are not met. It may require some clearing to ensure proper sunlight, soil treatment if the pH is not within the right range, and possibly mowing or applying herbicides to reduce competition for soil moisture and nutrients.
The final recipe calls for a healthy dose of common sense or what we here at Chestnut Hill Outdoors refer to as dirt wisdom. For more detailed information and advice, please visit the online Learning Center or contact one of our experts for a quick call.
About Chestnut Hill Outdoors
Chestnut Hill is the best place for you to purchase your food plot and deer attractant plants because they offer a large selection, their plants are specifically bred to attract deer, and they offer customers different-sized plants at different levels of growth. To ensure you receive the maximum benefit from their products, they also provide sound advice and instruction on proper planting and care. For more on Chestnut Hill Outdoors products and how to care for them, visit ChestnutHillOutdoors.com, or call (855) 386-7826.
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