I'm looking to plant about 2,500-3,500 black walnuts on a 10 acre plot in Eastern Oklahoma. The soil is sandy loam, and it used to be a peanut farm a few decades ago. It is currently covered in Johnson grass, with no shrubs or trees on site.
First of all, how should I prepare the site for planting? Should I use herbicide, or should I burn the grass? And how long should I wait to plant after using one of these methods?
Next, when is the best time of year to plant the trees. Is it different if I do bare root or potted saplings? Is it a different time if I start with seedlings?
I don't know the pH of the soil yet, but I know there is 5-6 feet of good soil above the bedrock. Several huge black walnuts grow naturally on the surrounding properties.
Thanks for your help!