440: Akiva Silver on Working with Trees as Allies.
Having trees as partners in farming projects.
Akiva owns and operates his 20 acre Twisted Tree Farm, a homestead, nut orchard, and nursery near the Finger Lakes Region of New York. There he grows around 20,000 trees per year that are raised naturally without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.
Akiva is the author of Trees of Power, Ten Essential Arboreal Allies, released this month in paperback through our friends at Chelsea Green Publishing. He is dedicated to growing healthy trees, food, and family.Don’t miss an episode! Click here to sign up for podcast updates
In This Podcast:
Akiva Silver spent years observing and learning from nature. He discusses how to partner with trees, talks about his new book, and shares some of his favorite trees. Listen in to learn about the different functions of trees, all the amazing ways we can use Hickory trees, and how to use some of the lesser know varieties in really cool ways. He also shares what it is like to raise 20,000 trees in a year and when he prefers to grow from seed vs cuttings.
Listen in and learn about:
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- The book that inspired him to study nature
- What made him shift into farming and planting trees
- His book and what it
- Akiva’s favorite trees
- The different functions of trees
- Hickory trees and their amazing properties and uses
- Bitternuts and how to use them
- Shagbark kernel candy
- The roles native trees play in their ecosystem
- How to raise 20,000 trees in one year
- Growing from seeds vs growing from cuttings
- Allowing cross pollination for genetic diversity and to allow evolution
As well as:
His failure – Entering the tree business and putting all his faith in one technique that failed him.
His success – Having a happy family, doing what you love, and a peaceful mind.
His drive – Keeping up with his energy and ideas.
His advice – See with your eyes, not your mind.
Books written by Akiva:
Trees of Power, Ten Essential Arboreal Allies
Akiva’s Book recommendations:
“Nature’s Garden” by Samuel Thayer
How to reach Akiva:
Website: www.twisted-tree.net
Sweepstakes Offer:
This contest is closed. We say “Thank You” to Akiva and Chelsea Green Publishing for this offer.
UrbanFarm.org/twistedtree
Thank you to LaCrosse Boots for sponsoring this episode
LaCrosse Boots – The go-to boots for big tasks!
Note: You can also find these books mentioned above at one of our favorite local independent bookstores and have the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a small business.
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