The Value of Mast-Producing Trees

Americorps • October 5, 2022

The OTG program is no stranger to planting trees. If you have joined us for one of our tree planting projects, you may have heard the term “mast-producing trees”. Mast-producing trees are favored for some projects, bringing up the questions: What are masting trees, and what are the benefits?

What is Mast-Producing Vegetation

Mast-producing plants are woody vegetation that supplies fruit to surrounding fauna. Previously used in agriculture to supply food for domestic animals. Today wildlife and forestry professions use the strategy to positively influence wildlife. Some examples of trees and shrubs used in a mast-tree planting are elderberry, highbush cranberry and crab apple, belonging to a group called soft-mast producers. Fruit on soft-mast producers is fleshy, high in sugar, high in moisture and perishable. Beech, hickory and oak trees are hard-mast producers. Their fruit is shelled, fatty, high in protein and shelf stable.

What are the Benefits of Planting Mast-Producing Trees

Overall, mast-producing trees support wildlife by providing food, shelter and sometimes moisture. The type of mast-producer influences animal populations in different ways. Fruit from a soft-mast producer is high in sugar and moisture, during periods of drought the fruit can act as a moisture source for wildlife. Comparatively, fruit from a hard mast-producer does not supply water but it is stable for longer and can be a food source during winter months. When the trees inevitably drop their leaves, the remaining plant can be used for shelter.

Use this tree planting technique in your backyard. For more information on mast-producing tree species and proper planting techniques, click HERE. If you would like to join a tree-planting event with MUCC’s OTG program, click HERE.

Recent Posts

On the Ground: Jack Pine Planting Day 2026

By Olivia Triltsch • May 7, 2026
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, a group of dedicated volunteers joined Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, Huron Pines, Saginaw Children’s Zoo, and MUCC's OTG program in planting approximately 4,800 jack pine saplings within the Grayling Forest Management Unit in Crawford County. Jack pines are a critical nesting habitat feature for the once-threatened Kirtland’s warbler. In total, volunteers directly impacted about 7 acres of land were prepared by the Michigan DNR for this planting to allow volunteers to maximize their efforts across the land. This is one of our annual events that is perfect for helpers of all ages and interests.

MUCC Announces Dissolution After Nearly 90 Years of Conservation Advocacy

May 4, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.

On the Ground: Trees and Trash in Grayling Forest Management Unit

By Olivia Triltsch • April 30, 2026
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, MUCC's On the Ground program partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for a crabapple tree planting and dump site clean-up event in the Grayling Forest Management Unit. Volunteers worked as a team to plant, compost, mulch, and fence 25 eight-foot trees at various locations in Crawford County on the public lands to offer forage for wildlife. Many species, like grouse, turkey, and deer, utilize mast-producing trees for food when other resources are not available. These trees were planted along an old logging road for both game and non-game wildlife, while enhancing the local recreational opportunities. Another group of volunteers branched off to remove trash from three dump sites on public land in Kalkaska County, which included couches, mattresses, shingles, and tires. Volunteers filled a 30-yard dumpster with trash found in the landscape in an attempt to keep the environment better than how it was found while improving future recreational opportunities. In total, volunteers directly enhanced 2.1 acres of wildlife habitat through this project.
More Posts