LOL!
I'm actually planning to put in a willow fence and making good use of pollarding, both for new fencing and for willow branches for basketry and other crafts, as well as fodder for the goats.
And I understand that both black locusts and honey locusts are good for that in our area, which would be great as well, because both are deer resistant, and wonderful nectar sources for honeybees. Hoping to set up a few hives in the not-too-distant future.
yes!! those are excellent fodder trees I believe...
That's what I understand, though I understand that honey locust has some wicked long thorns, like blow out your mower tire wicked, so I'll probably using it more sparingly. ;-)
Geoff Lawton talks a lot about it. I believe there is a thornless variety available. If I remember right, the folks for Sow Edible Permaculture Podcast are talking about it as well. I have a podcast post up with a link to their podcast...
Cool - I'll check it out - thanks!
I've heard that there is a thornless variety, but haven't found it in our area as yet. But there is a street near us that has several that are mature, so I may go and take a few cuttings to see how they do.
We have a sinkhole just outside our barnyard, and it may be just the thing to keep any wandering animals - or kids - from accidentally falling in.
I've got seeds for Osage oranges, too, which are also as thorny as all get out, but I won't be using those near the barnyard, as I understand dome domestic animals can be harmed if they eat the fruit,
From what I understand, the thorns were used as nails. And yes, nothing close to the animals which could kill them. I know a lady who killed several goats with the Avocado tree she didn't want to give up :)
Wow . . . I had no idea that avocadoes were bad for goats, but it makes sense, especially if they really developed a taste for them.
As much as I love them, if I couldn't fence the goats out of the fruit drop zone, then yeah, I'd give up my tree.
I hadn't that the thorns were used as nails, but considering what I've heard about them, that makes sense too. Gives me some ideas, too. ;-)
:) It is not just the fruit of Avocadoes - the leaves kill goats as well :(