I had an idea come to me a couple weeks ago in order to make a "precision hügel" with terraced-like siding
Precision Hügel Steps:
1) Determine the desired size and shape of hügel.
2) Plant black locust trees around the hügel's outer edge.
3) Plant inner array(s) of black locust trees which will define the "risers" for hügel steps.
4) After 3-7 years, when the locusts are becoming sturdy, chop them at elevations corresponding to the desired height of the hügel.
5) Drop logs of appropriate sizes into the black locust vertical scaffolds, using pallet forks or heavy equipment. The trees will help keep the logs from rolling out of place.
6) Add mulchy bits and soil and smaller sticks and logs along the way as appropriate.
7) If the black locust tree survives being buried, continue to use it as a chop and drop nitrogen fixer for the hügel. If it dies, its longevity may still help keep a nice angle of repose.
black-locust-hugel-scaffold.png
Use black locusts as living posts to define hügel edges and create "steps"
It will take a long time to establish your hugel this way.
I am trying something similar myself, on a much smaller scale. I have a raised bed, that I want to make / keep pretty steep because of available space. Therefore I have put some sticks of a local nitrogen fixing plant, that grows like a weed here and is "normally" used for hedges, in the bottom of the side of the bed. The sticks have grown roots and start growing above ground. I cut it an drop the thin branches horizontally behind the rooted sticks. I will continue to top off with compost, until the desired heigth is reached. In the mean time I am growing vegetables on top and try to establish more perrenial stuff in the sides.
It is still to early to claim a succes. The experiment only started this year. However, this set up will be continued next year. Maybe another bed will be added.
Maybe you can start your hugel while growing your locust trees? Let us know how it turns out!
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