Trees and Shrubs – Permaculture Homestead

Edible Nitrogen Fixing Trees

I’ve been getting more into permaculture and how it can reverse desertification. Much of the world has experienced expanding deserts while losing grasslands and forests. The Great Basin has experienced desertification on a massive scale over thousands of years. The Great Basin contained one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, surrounded by forests filled with wildlife. Lake Bonneville, as the lake is called, was bigger than many modern countries. Now all that remains is the Great Salt Lake, salt flats, deserts, and some forested mountains.

Elaeagnus Multiflora — Goumi berries (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Elaeagnus_multiflora)

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Searching for Drought Tolerant Trees

Trees to Experiment With

Dove Ranch doesn’t get much rain. In fact, the Salt Lake Valley gets twice as much rain as Park Valley where the ranch is located. That doesn’t mean trees can’t grow at the ranch, but it does mean they need help getting started. A lot of trees can survive up there as long as they get extra water until they are established. There are a lot of trees that can handle low water environments, but fewer that can handle winters, too. So, my search for Park Valley friendly trees has been slow. Still, I’m having some success. Here is a list of some interesting drought tolerant trees I’ve been researching for possible planting on Dove Ranch.

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