Zirnhelt’s Trail: 14,000 Trees and Counting

Imagine planting a pine tree, a small seedling, using a spade shovel. Not too difficult, right? Now imagine doing that 1000 times. Repeat every spring for 14 years. That’s exactly what Bob Zirnhelt did on 11 acres where he and his wife live in Davison, Michigan.

Beginning in 1991, Bob began buying young trees from the Genesee County Conservation District. Every spring he would buy 1000 seedlings and plant them around his home. “It’s one of the best ways to enhance the beauty and improve the value of your home,” he says. Bob is a code enforcer for the city of Burton, and knows a thing or two about home values.

Bob also mentions privacy as a reason for planting trees. “I just don’t understand why more people who live in neighborhoods don’t plant trees near the property lines to give themselves a little privacy.” He and his wife enjoy being able to look out their windows and see a veritable forest instead of their neighbors’ houses. “Plus, planting trees is one of the best things you can do for the environment. Trees generate oxygen, help clean the air, and provide habitat for wildlife.”

Amongst the trees spread out over the Zirnhelt’s beautifully landscaped property is a scenic pond that Bob dug last year. It recently began filling with drainage water from early seasonal rains and the spring thaw. The pond is surrounded by picnic and camping areas for when the Zirnhelts entertain friends and family, and features a small beach where the kids can swim.

As part of his “1000 trees a year” plantings, Bob has planted mainly conifers, starting with White Pines, and then expanding to Austrian Pines, Red Pines, and Blue Spruce. Although he no longer plants 1000 evergreens a year, Bob has been selectively adding blossoming trees. For example, one side of the pond is bordered by a stand of 7 kinds of Crab Apple trees. Strategically placed around the property he’s added a variety of fruit-bearing trees including a number of apple, pear, and cherry trees.

Bob offers these tips to anyone considering planting trees: “Plant the seedlings in tall weeds. The weeds will keep the sun off the roots and provide some protection. Plant the trees about 25 feet apart, so they’ll have room to branch out. Trees are a great investment in any property; they’re easy to plant and inexpensive. 1000 trees only costs around $500.00 these days.”

For information on acquiring trees through the Genesee County Conservation District, contact them at (810) 230-8766 extension 3, or visit them on the web at Genesee Conservation.