We all want to leave a legacy. As hunters and fishermen, we leave wall hangers, stories, writings, mentored students, and memories. Our homes and lands are decorated and rooted with our time here.

Trees are a great way to leave our legacy or honor others. Planting a tree in honor of a family veteran, friend, or just to help our world be a healthier place are all good reasons to plant roots.

Planting roots in Montana is a tough job! Recently I decided to plant a tree in the back yard of my home. My wife insisted on something big, so we could enjoy the tree in our lifetime. Having a long-lived tree was important to me. Something strong, beautiful, and a good survivor.

I chose a Bur Oak. These trees live over 300 years. They are strong and sturdy, produce acorns, and look different than just pine trees. When my Grandson Clyde and I picked the tree out, it looked Big but not Huge! I drove the truck over to the tree and had the greenhouse folks load it. They used a forklift! 

This was one HUGE tree. The root ball was covered in burlap and chain link fencing. Dimensions were around 30 inches deep and wide. This meant a huge hole.

Clyde and I began digging the hole. He was most interested in the worms we found and saved. These would be used for a future fishing trip. We also screened the dirt and rocks. He then carried the rocks into other gardens for decoration. After a LONG day, we had the hole ready.

Now for the tree. I am still recovering from a winter back surgery and limited to carrying 4 pounds. This tree was well over the Drs limit. It was time to be creative. My son said to not drive over the drain field, so the truck was out. My dolly had a flat and the deer game carrier was also too small. The wheeler still had the plow attached so removing that meant more work.

I grabbed my Ice Fishing sled! After removing the box attached to the toboggan style sled, I rolled the tree ball on top. My wife and I began the long slide. Suddenly my neighbor Randy arrived. He saw the 2-mule team and knew I should not be straining and stressing. He joined the crew, and we soon had the tree to the hole. After some additional hole digging, we were able to roll the tree into place. The fence wire was removed, and I cut holes in the burlap. WE backfilled with the freshly screened topsoil. A sturdy T-post finished the support and planting. 

The Mighty Oak is alive and well! So is Montana Grant. CC loves his new tree and full worm can. My wife likes the birds that land onto the tree before going to the feeder. My neighbor Randy saved the day and kept me healthy so we can enjoy another fishing or hunting trip.

I can never get over how many rocks are in a typical hole in Montana!

Montana Grant