[1]: https://fellowsblog.ted.com/how-to-grow-a-forest-really-real...
This is pretty interesting, though I can't find any more information on the website.
I work at Stenon [0], we make a portable soil analysis probe for agriculture - the demand for these devices is huge.
(we are hiring)
[0] - https://stenon.io/en/
Do you have any information on pricing and availability?
P.S. I'm curious how you're able to accurately measure nitrate and carbon levels. Can you point me to any papers on the techniques you're using?
As for accuracy we have patent pending ML models that provide nutrient predictions that are >= laboratory accuracy. If you are interested please sign up to the waitlist and someone will be in touch!
Just pick up your own seeds, either plant it or let the nature do gladly the hard work for you.
https://www.nordgen.org/en/jay-expert-planting-oak/
There will be always much more seeds than the ones that will survive at the end. You can rescue seedlings growing in unsuitable areas (next a road for example) that would not survive the lawnmower.
> How much growth per year can I expect?
It depends a lot on the tree and the area, the water available etc. Fast growth is tender and not always desirable. Oaks and other long living trees will put their best efforts to grow under the surface. Don't expect a lot to see the first years but after this phase they will suddenly accelerate. You need first to know what trees are good for your area
If you want fast results, a common technique is to use fast growing / short lived trees and shrubs first (birch or rowan for example). Then seed or wait for other species to reach the area and slowly unfurl.
> How can I provide symbiosis with the nearby protected raised bog and its birds?
Plant fruit shrubs, let dead wood decay in place, use holly and blackthorn to encourage nests...
Avoid spreading invasive Rhododendron in any case.
If you have a bog near your home, the soil could be very poor and acid. This will determine what you can plant and what not. Not all trees can stand a high phreatic level. Willows can, and are easily grown from free cuttings. Rowan are excelent also in acid soils. Most trees will avoid the bog.
I'm already in my mid-30's, will I be able to enjoy this for any reasonable portion of my life?
What type of soil and climate? coastal area?
If you have apples you can have also plums and pears. Buy fruit trees grafted, from well and from a good source. Don't seed it. Reserve an area near your home to put it and also some open areas without trees.
> Will trees effectively stop large undergrowth to the point where I can walk around?
Some can do it (after some years), other can't. It depends on the trees, how they are packed, and the area. Beech definitely will kill anything under their canopy at long term and is a really beautiful tree, and many big conifers also, so must be placed carefully (and used sparsely).