Buzz
If you're planning to add a tree to your landscape, whether it's for shade, wildlife, or aesthetic appeal, consider a more impactful option. Instead of planting just one, why not cluster several trees close together? A ‘pocket forest’ like this boosts biodiversity, helps manage water runoff, and cools the surrounding area. Here's how they function and how you can plant one.
What exactly is a pocket forest?
A pocket forest is a tightly packed mini-forest made up of various native tree species. Its purpose is to provide dense greenery for shade, wildlife habitat, and erosion control. (If space is limited, you can opt for a thicket—a closely planted group of native shrubs.)
Mini forests not only enhance the visual appeal of your yard but also provide an enjoyable outdoor space with less upkeep than a traditional lawn. While setting up a pocket forest may cost more upfront than planting grass, it will ultimately save you time, money on maintenance, and water usage.
How much space do you need for a pocket forest?
A pocket forest can thrive in as little as 200 square feet. While it's often thought that trees might harm nearby structures, this isn’t always the case—it depends on the tree species and the environment. With proper pruning and care, you can plant a variety of trees near buildings, provided they are well-maintained.
How to select trees for your pocket forest
To establish a pocket forest, you’ll need young native trees and shrubs, typically one to two years old, with enough saplings to fill your area while maintaining a 2-4 feet gap between them. If planting near a structure, choose saplings with non-invasive root systems to avoid potential issues.
To identify native plants for your area, consider reaching out to your local university extension. Your local government may also have resources listing trees native to your region, and can suggest tree species that are less likely to cause issues when planted near buildings.
When is the best time to plant a pocket forest?
Planting should take place during your area's dormant season to give the plants time to establish themselves. Dormancy varies depending on seasonal temperatures and rainfall, so it’s a good idea to check with your local university extension for specifics related to your climate.
If it's not currently dormant season, don’t worry—there are still preparations you can make, such as clearing existing plants and planning out your planting space.
A timeline for establishing a pocket forest
Four months prior to planting
Start by selecting your planting site and measuring the area to determine how many saplings you'll need. Plan for spacing between 2 to 4 feet apart, and use that measurement to estimate plant placement. It’s also wise to contact your local nursery now to let them know roughly how many plants you require, ensuring they have enough in stock. At this stage, begin clearing any existing plants from your chosen area to prepare it for future planting.
Three months prior to planting
Three months before planting, use the ‘lasagna method’ to prepare your soil and eliminate remaining plants. To do this, cover the entire area with cardboard, then add a layer of leaf compost or leaf mold. Finish by topping it with 2 to 3 inches of wood chips.
One month prior to planting
Now is the time to select your plants. Opt for native species that are well-suited to your area, considering their root system size and sunlight requirements. Since you'll likely have a substantial order, it's a good idea to secure your plants a bit in advance.
Planting
Start by laying out your plants and spacing them 2 to 4 feet apart. Once you’ve planned the spacing, dig the necessary holes and plant your saplings. While small saplings only need a hole as deep as a shovel, you can save time by pre-arranging your plants in their containers, ensuring you don’t run out of space during planting.
After planting
Once your saplings are planted, mark them with a surveyor stake or another easily identifiable marker to help you distinguish them from weeds in the future. This will also assist with weed removal. You can further enrich the soil by adding compost on the surface or applying compost tea to provide a boost to your new trees.
As your saplings grow, it's important to carry out structural pruning by removing weaker, lower branches and those that cannot support their own weight. Alternatively, you can allow your trees to grow naturally. You have the option of taking a hands-off approach with watering, understanding that some saplings may not survive, or you can improve their chances by watering them during the first two or three growing seasons. Once your native trees are established (after about three years), they should not require additional watering.
