Deep Woods Trees: Mast Crops Implemented with Precision

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Tom Damren of Workhorse Trees for a deep dive into planting trees for whitetail habitat — and why most hunters get it wrong. Tom shares how his journey into growing trees started out of frustration after failed plantings, leading him down the path of rootstock selection, disease resistance, and understanding what actually works in a real-world hunting setting. From the importance of seedling rootstock to avoiding common mistakes like planting too many trees or choosing the wrong varieties, this conversation breaks down the fundamentals of building a successful tree program that actually produces results.

The discussion then shifts into a unique and practical strategy: “deep woods planting.” Instead of traditional orchard-style setups, Tom explains how strategically placing a small number of trees in cover can create better daylight movement and more huntable scenarios. The guys also cover species selection, growth expectations, protection from wildlife damage, and how to think about trees not just as a food source, but as a precision tool for attraction. If you’ve ever been frustrated with planting trees or questioned whether they’re worth the effort, this episode offers a fresh perspective that might change how you approach habitat improvement.

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