Florida man converts his lawn into agroforestry paradise, including grass fed trees. This is the future of landscaping. And it looks great too!
How You Can Have Orchard Trees in the Smallest Possible Space?
You can grow fruit trees, vegetables, and much more in a small space while having a lawn. The key is how you stack function into a landscape. Pete Kanaris does exactly that with his grass-fed fruit trees.
This is an example of Syntropic Agroforestry, using tree strips to establish food forest. Tree and grass strips help improve land usage. It's a system of evolving a space to increase soil carbon, habitat, and water holding capacity.
Using a scythe cuts the grass rather than chopping it up with a mower or string trimmer. Grass recovers faster. Cut grass becomes straw which mulches the soil. Building organic matter in soil is critical to cropping in Florida's sandy soil.
Capture Cubic Yards of Carbon Even in Small Spaces
This system captures carbon, conserves water, and provides beneficial insect habitat. Trees grow in rows, providing usable space between rows. A model perfect for urban spaces, even small back yards.
It's not perfect manicured grass. The grass grows much faster and taller between cuts which improves soil structure. Managing taller grass means deeper roots into the soil so no watering isn't necessary.
Using this method in Martinsville VA at Prosperity Homestead confuses neighbors. Trimmings and grass mulches around the base of the trees rather than burning. No hauling materials off site.
My implementation adapts for a temperate wet climate. Deep root grass improves drainage while holding soil in place. You get more soil with less effort.
In Florida they have a longer warmer season with on frost. In Virginia there can be many frost events, plus heavy rains. Grass mulching happens in parallel with composting. In Florida you'll grow more fruit trees, in Virginia more timber.
An Easy Way Design Manages Slugs and Pests in a Forest
Can this method attract slugs and pests? Yes and no. Spacing between tree rows allows predators to enter the area. While management with animals eliminates small pests.
From barn owls to fox, you'll find a balance if you ever have a pest problem.
Running your chickens or ducks between rows also fertilizes the soil. Chickens also eat mice and slugs. Ducks love slugs. Either way you get meat and eggs from a smaller space.
You don't need constant fuel, special equipment, or noisy maintenance like with a mower. A scythe is also better for the grass. It cuts clean to prevent illness, reduces thatch, and provides a more accuracy in cutting.
Because the grass mulches near where it falls the work is easy. No hauling around materials to have a constant supply of biomass. Starting small you can expand this kind of system as it matures to tens of acres with hand tools.
This is a soil building system that helps extend forest edge. The edge is the most productive part of the forest. You can even grow vegetables while establishing this system.
Does This Method Work on A Large Scale or Multi-Acre Farm?
On a large scale Silvopasture is the right implementation, yet Syntropic scales well. This allows large grazing animals and the production of timber product. You can have cow, sheep, or even pigs mow for you. You can also cut hay from between rows.
For sloping grades like across Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia Tech recommends Silvopasture. As a rotational grazing system both methods deliver carbon sequestration. Expect of a cubic yard per acre while feeding animals.
These types of agroforestry are popular in old world European villages. Adoption in many communities across the United States, including temperate climates, is growing.
The typical household hauls off tons of biomass each year. Agroforestry systems can feed the soil while growing useful trees. It looks nice most of the time.
If you have questions about designs for your property, then contact my office. The right combination of trees and grass makes land management simple. Plus you'll produce many crops in less space.
You'll reclaim yard space while having a forest type environment with a mature system. Placing tree strips on contour with proper spacing means years of usable space for any large lot. Are you ready for grass-fed fruit trees?
Pete Kanaris is founder of Green Dreams, Based in Land O Lakes, FL (USA). Pete manages a small farm growing food free from toxins. His agricultural methods regenerate soil life while restoring the ecosystem. Consults in HOA friendly ECOLogical Landscaping. You'll find his YouTube channel at GreenDreamsFL.
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