So Forum members can have their questions answered, please use these points to give us information so we can best help you with your questions and your goal: do you own or lease the property, what is the acreage, sun travel, where it's located etc. All of these pieces of the puzzle will help you form a battle plan for your property and your goals.
Remember: Go slow, and think before you act. It will take decades to replace a mature Oak Tree once you cut it down. Make sure you know what you have and err on the side of caution. You can always cut it down tomorrow, but you can never uncut it today. There are lists of foresters and wildlife biologists in every state. Don't be afraid to look into your states services available and tap them for help where available.
Basic questions to consider:
SOIL TEST
PH LEVEL
HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR PH TO ADJUST AFTER APPLICATION,
(Sandy soil will respond faster than clay, but will also exhaust faster than clay and loam. Complete saturation can take 6 to 12 months) Lime today for next years planting season!
WHAT DO WANT TO PLANT
SOIL TYPE(S)
GROWING SEASON
PLANTING ZONE 2,3,4,7? USDA Zone Map Here:
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html
HILLY, BOTTOM LAND, ETC. (Drainage characteristice are important)
WATER ON PROPERTY? BROOK/RIVER/SWAMP/LAKE/POND?
SUN EXPOSURE, SOUTH-NORTH-EAST-WEST FACING, ETC.
DO YOU HAVE A SANCTUARY ON THE PROPERTY
(an area you never go in to regardless)
WHAT THEY WANT TO ACCOMPLISH, GROW RACKS, HERD HEALTH, PLOT TO HUNT OVER, ETC.
NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES, ARE THERE FOOD PLOTS THERE, GOOD COVER?
THIS WIll SAVE TIME ON EVERYONE'S PART.
Soil test and PH are paramount, but It always helps to have as much info as possible, but I think if the poster can answer these questions when he asks his question, it will help us help each other immensely.
A good rule of thumb is you want 5 to 10% of total acreage for food plot area.
These questions will get you started and save time reinventing the wheel.
keep your powder dry!
Remnard