Food Forest Location and Other Questions

I live in the country and have plenty of room to put a food forest. I currently have two locations. Location #1 which is probably 75' x 100' but funnels down to be 20' wide on the other end.

Location #1 - 75' x 100' but funnels down to be 20' wide on the far end. The sunny side of this area is bordered by mature pine trees and a few hard woods. I don't have to worry as much about the woods trying to grow into the food forest. Biggest concern would be big tree roots trying to steal nutrients.

Location #2 - two rectangles that touch at 90 degree angles. One is 20' x 30' and the other is 20' x 30'. Runs next two some tree line that is scrub brush and smaller trees that want to push into the area. I could cut them back and bush hog this as needed to keep a 4' 'blank' area around the food forest. However, it would be constant work to do so.

I'm looking for advice on placement first. #1 seems like it would be better. More room to grow and less work to push back nature. But...will big tree roots sucking nutrients be an issue? Is it too big to handle? I guess I've got the rest of my life to make it work and grow it....just seems big.

#2 is smaller and seems easier to manage but the work to keep back the smaller trees competing with each other to take over could be a hassle. Is this area too small? Do I want as big as I can go? When does it become less fun and more hassle? Also, this area could be a good raised bed area as well (moreso than #1)

Beyond location....what do I start with? I'm in Zone 7. I used to have good blueberries but mummyberry moved in and I don't want to spray poison. I'd love to do raspberries, strawberries, some easy fruit trees/nut trees that don't require any spraying. Really I'm wide open to any good plants that can be successful organically in my zone. Just don't know where to start....

Also, best book or website to get info from? Especially for my zone?

Sorry for the long post, but trying to start out with as few mistakes as possible.

Thank you,

Johnny

Jonathon, welcome to the forum.

Without pictures or a google map, it is hard to say which location would be better.

Plants need water, sun, and good soil.  Which location would offer the best of these?

I feel plant selection is next in importance.

Plant sun-loving plants in sunny locations, usually at the edge of the food forest, and plant shade-loving plants in the center under the fruit trees.

Wishing you the best for your future food forest.

Hi Jonathan, Welcome to Permies!

I'm not sure how much of a problem the mature roots are likely to be. I tried doing a search, but didn't come up with much. These two threads may be of interest:
https://permies.com/t/176609/Growing-veggies-fruit-trees#1387701
https://permies.com/t/8374/Permaculture-forested-land

The first talks about integrating fruit trees and veg and the second talk about productive gardening within established forests. It's a bit long, but there are some lovely examples.

I think the key for you will be to think about succession - how the plots might look in one year, 5 years, 10 years, 50 years. What maintenance would be required to achieve that, and what yields you could expect. I would draw out a plan for both plots and see which calls to you more. look at the edges and the connections to the rest of your land, sun rain water. How will these change with succession? Think about what you would do if they weren't a food forest  - if one is more suitable for hugels, or annual crops for example.

I hope this helps. I'll add this thread to a few other forums to gain more eyes for you.

PS yes - pictures please!