First of all, sorry if this is the wrong forum for this question. I'm new and still figuring things out
Anyway...
Just moved onto an 8acre piece of property (NW Oregon) with about 6acres treed. Problem is that most of that is monoculture Douglas Fir. I'm guessing it was a failed tree farm, since all the trees are about 10-15 years old and already skirted, planted in rows. The previous owner had also kept the area free from brush and even kept the grass short, so that literally is the only thing growing there.
Basically I'm wondering what I should do to increase the biodiversity. I have about 1.5 acre that looks like it was clear cut about 20 years ago, but was essentially left alone and has grown very nicely. Much more beautiful (and healthy, I'm sure) than the rest.
Should I transplant some of the growies from there to the doug fir sections, or should I leave it alone to increase biodiversity on its own?
Doug fir is more or less an apex species so I doubt maple/oak/alder would do well at this point. I was thinking about planting some western hemlock since it's a shade tolerant tree. Maybe some red cedar. I don't know. I don't want to mess it up more. Maybe a combination of thinning the doug fir and planting new species? Or am I over-thinking it.. should I just leave it be?
Anybody have experience with this?
