google the soil conservation district of the county where you have property ... example at link ...

and see what they are offering for their spring sale ....

the list of trees contained at the link ought to give you a good start ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: pdf example of NC tree sale

That's one of the most flexible locations, you can grow a lot of stuff. If your only goal is to replace fallen trees, I'd first identify what those tree are and replace with like species. But before I did, I'd want to make sure the trees that fell were not the result of mother nature doing a little tidying up. For instance pines and pioneer species may have just reached the end of their role in your forest.

Some of the most desireable species are sugar maples, white oak, hickories and american beech. These are all slow growers though. And because of this, you may find the most fun to grow trees are a lot of the same trees that can grow in Florida like elms, oaks, birch, tuliptree and red maples.

Any dry, rocky spots, remember to add some pines; particularly Pinus pungens, local native in the area.

Resin

I contacted the Watauga County Soil and Conservation District as the first poster suggested. They are holding a tree sale, with pick up in late April. They are selling Allegheny Chinquapins, red oak, white oak, crabapple, at 5 for $15. They also recomended any types of hickory for my area. I've added mockernut hickory, american beech and yellow birch to my list of seedlings to buy.

The American Chestnut tree was once the dominant tree in that area. You'll want to try to find blight resistant strains, but I would strongly recommend you make the effort to track down some suitable nuts/trees.

Two organizations; ACCF and TACF.

There are some resources on-line, and there are some fine books on the subject.

Here is a link that might be useful: American chestnut book

I vacationed there a few years back -- great little college town. While driving the Blue Ridge Parkway I recall seeing the exotic-looking Magnolia tripetala, which I thought was pretty cool. The largest Ginkgo I've ever seen was in Jonesboro, TN, which is in your neck of the mountains. Of course, this could just be storytelling...

I saw plenty of Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus octandra) when I was visiting that area. Also saw lots of Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum) and Fraser magnolia (M.fraseri).

They don't always bloom at the same time, but when they do there's nothing as beautiful as the combination of dogwoods and redbuds.

super re: soil conservatuion info .. but do be aware of the size you will get for those prices .... frankly the perfect size .... delivery is scheduled for primo planting time ....

now.. will you be in NC at delivery time.. and be prepared for IMMEDIATE planting????

and will you be able to get back to the property for TLC all summer long ....

let us know if you need help with either of those processes ...

ken

Here's a couple more to consider. The first set of pics are a Celtis-looking tree, which I think might be Sugar Hackberry. The second set of pics are of a very nice Stewartia malacodendron, which is growing at the NC Arboretum in Asheville. Is Boone higher/colder than Asheville?

Celtis laevigata(?)
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Stewartia malacodendron
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Watauga County said that trees are bareroot, 18" to 36" inches and have to be picked up in April. I won't be in NC all summer. Could I plant them in the ground in NC and heavily mulch? Or should I pot them and grow in Florida until ready to plant? Asheville is lower and warmer than Boone which is zone 6. I'll be in Asheville in March and will visit the NC Arboretum. You guys are great-keep your ideas coming!

I'd pot them and grow in Fla. until you are ready to plant. Of course if you won't be there to water them, would recommend planting in late fall/winter when they are dormant and ground wetter.

the soil cons trees should be native.. and should be able to be planted and forgotten ...

but i wouldnt bet on 100% success ...

most of the plants offered are proper plants for windbreaks.. and by definition are not meant to be coddled ...

the simplest answer is... call the county soil conservation person.. AND ASK THEM ... you are paying their wages with your taxes.. use them ...

ken

Here is a tree website for western nc.

I think a White Basswood, Yellow Buckeye, or a Cucumbertree Magnolia would be nice.

Here is a link that might be useful: trees of western nc

One poster suggested pinus pungens (Table Mountain Pine) which is native to the Appalachians. I've searched the internet and cant't find any nurseries offering seedlings. Lots of White Pine and Virginia Pine, but no Table Mountain Pine. I don't want to grow from seeds. Any sources for seedlings?