As part of our commitment to restoring local native ecosystems, we’ve developed a selection of native trees and shrubs that nourish deer and support healthy soil. This post will cover the basics of Permaplot® and Bucks Unlimited Oak and explain how utilize these methods and natives on your property.
What is Permaplot®?
Permaplot® is our selected collection of native trees and shrubs. It provides year-round perennial browse that mimics deer’s preferred diet. It provides quality food for a variety of wildlife through all four seasons.
Permaplot® and Bucks Unlimited Oak
One species included in the Permaplot collection is the ‘Bucks Unlimited Oak.’ This is a selection of the native swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor). It yields twice the mast production of other oaks. Its acorn is like a magnet for deer, waterfowl, and upland game birds.
Each Permaplot has a balance of essential soft and hard mast native species. It is adaptable to any size plot of an acre or more. The balance of species also supports healthy soil – one with a diverse and appropriate hierarchy of abundant mycorrhizae and microorganisms. Healthy soils support a proper balance of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
How Do I Get It?
Your cost for each Forrest Keeling Permaplot is $725.00 for orders picked up at our Elsberry location. Each Permaplot includes 50, #3 RPM trees and shrubs plus fertilizer and tree guards. Trees and shrubs will be moist and ready for planting. Before pick up or shipping, each plant also receives one-year’s slow-release fertilizer.
Permaplot is a sustainable, one-time planting that makes your land a ‘nature’s keeper.’ Unlike an annual food plot, there’s no annual planting expense. Permaplot® makes you a partner in supporting wildlife, one tree at a time.
Selection and Calculation of Plants Needed
To achieve optimal environmental benefits, we recommend 50 #3-gallon RPM trees and shrubs per acre. You can choose from the following species to create your four-season Permaplot, or we will select them for you.
Hard Mast:
- Oaks (Bucks Unlimited, Bur, Kimberley, Chinkapin, Dwarf Chinkapin, Red, White)
- Hazelnut
- Pecan
Soft Mast
- Persimmon
- Domestic Apple
- Chokeberry
- Roughleaf dogwood
- American plum
- Chickasaw plum
Experts in Native
Forrest Keeling is a leader in conservation and environmental restoration. Our commitment to innovation led us to develop the RPM (Root Production Method®). The largest producer of native plants in North America, we grow 400 species and produce 1.5 million plants each year.
Want to discuss the best native species for your customers or project? Get in touch with a Forrest Keeling representative today, or check out our real-time commercial or residential inventory online.
