How to Earn Extra Cash Growing Trees in Your Backyard
Growing trees in your backyard can feel like planting a seed of opportunity. Not only do trees provide shade, beauty, and a habitat for wildlife, but they can also yield some extra cash in your pocket.
I remember the first time I realized the profit potential of backyard trees. It was a lightbulb moment that shifted my perspective from merely gardening to entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this journey into growing trees for profit can be both rewarding and profitable.
Discovering Your Niche: What Trees to Grow
Before you rush out to plant every seedling you can find, take a step back and consider what types of trees will thrive in your region and fetch a good price in the market. Research is key here.
Some popular choices for profit include fruit trees like apples, peaches, and cherries. These not only provide delicious produce but also attract customers eager for fresh, homegrown fruits.
Another niche that often gets overlooked is ornamental trees. Trees like maples tree, dogwood tree, and birches tree can add beauty to landscapes and are in high demand.
You might also consider growing nut trees, such as walnuts or pecans, which can yield a substantial income over time. The options are vast, so take the time to explore what resonates with your interests and the needs of your community.
Native Tree Nursery
Native plants are in demand today, thanks to renewed interest by homeowners and groups that support sustainable native landscaping. In many areas, regulations require planting native rather than non-native species of trees and other plants on public lands.
By offering trees that are native to a region, growers can find a ready market and eager customers, from retail buyers who are purchasing trees for their own property, to large restoration, reclamation and mitigation projects that may use hundreds of trees and other native plants.
Bonsai Elm Tree
Bonsai Trees
Bonsai is all about growing tiny trees, and has become even more popular as more and more folks move to the city, where they have little or no yard space, but still want to have greenery growing in their apartment or condo.
A bonsai tree, a miniature version of a larger tree, such as a beech, elm, or pine, can fit almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Prices of bonsai trees are high, whether for mature trained trees or ‘starter’ untrained trees, and can bring huge markups to growers. For example, bare-root seedlings can be purchased for as little as 50 cents and re-sold for $60 when trained and potted.
| Related: How to Grow a Bonsai From Seeds? |
Willow Trees
The willow has become a real moneymaker for those who understand the many uses for the tree beyond its traditional use as a landscape tree. Twig furniture, woven from young willow branches, is in demand, and a single chair can bring over $200.
Basket weavers love the flexible shoots for weaving and growers can now plant trees that produce a rainbow of bark colors, which weavers pay a premium price for. Selling willow cuttings, which root easily in most soils, is another income producer for willow growers. Stick those same cuttings in a one-gallon pot and wait a year – now you’ve got a young landscaping tree that can bring ten dollars at retail.
Christmas Tree Farming
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are enjoying a revival of interest as more buyers reject artificial trees in favor of the ‘real thing.’ Growing Christmas trees takes space, but anyone with at least an acre of usable land can start a seasonal Christmas tree farm.
Buyers in cities are snapping up ttabletop-ized Christmas trees, paying $30 to $50 each, and greens, trimmed from fir and pine trees, can bring in a substantial income from garlands and wreaths.
Starting a Christmas tree plantation is a part-time business for most of the 20,000-plus growers around North America, so you can earn a nice income working just a few hours a week on your own schedule and still have another job.
Planning Your Backyard Orchard
Once you’ve decided what trees to grow, it’s time to plan your backyard orchard. This isn’t just a matter of throwing a few seeds into the ground and hoping for the best. Create a layout that maximizes space while allowing for healthy tree growth.
Consider factors like sunlight, soil quality, and drainage. Most fruit and nut trees need full sun—about six to eight hours a day. If your backyard is a bit shady, don’t despair! You can select shade-tolerant varieties or strategically place your trees to make the most of the available light.
When I planted my first apple trees, I learned the hard way about spacing. I crammed them in too tightly, thinking I could produce more fruit faster. But soon, I realized that they needed room to grow and breathe. So, leave some space between those saplings!
Establishing Your Tree Business: From Seed to Sale
With your trees planted, the next step is nurturing them into healthy, productive specimens. Regular maintenance is crucial; think watering, pruning, and pest management. As your trees grow, keep a close eye on their health. Are the leaves turning yellow? Are there any signs of pests? Catching problems early can save you a lot of headaches later.
Now, let’s talk business. Once your trees start producing fruit or nuts, it’s time to consider your sales strategy. Will you sell at local farmers’ markets, directly to restaurants, or even online? Each option has its pros and cons. Farmers’ markets can be a great way to connect with customers and showcase your product, but they require more time and effort.
Selling directly to restaurants can lead to larger orders but often involves building relationships and negotiating prices. Online sales can reach a wider audience, but you’ll need to factor in shipping costs and logistics. Explore each avenue to find what suits your style and goals best.
Table: Comparison of Selling Options
| Selling Method | Pros | Cons |
| Farmers’ Markets | Direct customer interaction | Time-consuming, limited hours |
| Restaurants | Larger orders, stable income | Relationship building, negotiation |
| Online Sales | Wide audience reach | Shipping costs, logistics challenges |
Marketing Your Trees: Get the Word Out
You might have the best trees in town, but if no one knows about them, you won’t make a dime. Effective marketing is essential. Start by utilizing social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to showcase your trees and the fruits of your labor. Share eye-catching photos of your produce, behind-the-scenes stories, and tips for other gardeners.
You could also create a simple website or blog to tell your story, share recipes, or offer gardening advice. Engaging content not only helps you connect with potential customers but also establishes you as an expert in your field. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, so encourage satisfied customers to spread the word about your trees.
Diversifying Your Income Streams
While growing trees for profit is an excellent venture, consider diversifying your income streams. One way to do this is by offering tree-related services, such as pruning or landscaping. Many homeowners are looking for someone to help them maintain their yards, and your experience in tree care makes you a prime candidate.
Additionally, think about value-added products. For example, if you grow apples, you could sell homemade applesauce, cider, or baked goods. Not only does this expand your offerings, but it also attracts a broader customer base.
Conclusion
Starting a backyard tree nursery, or tree farming, can be a great way for gardeners to turn their green thumbs into cash. It’s also a good way to ‘bootstrap’ a few hundred dollars into a steady income from tree sales. Because the hours are flexible, growing trees is also an ideal part-time business for stay-at-home moms or retirees.
Today, there are more ways to make money growing trees than ever before. High-value trees and tree crops have enabled small growers to make money even if they have only a small backyard for growing trees.
The secret to success as a small-scale tree grower is to find a ‘niche’ that fits your interests and skills as well as the local marketplace.
