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Small farms in Appalachia are economically challenged due to complex topography and soil constraints that limit productivity. Most farms have considerable acreage in forest, some of which is on the least productive sites, which contributes little income. The purpose of this study was to determine management and microclimate impacts on the establishment of an agro-forest for increasing the economic value of the forested land resource. A 1.2 ha forest clear-cut was planted with red oak (Quercus rubra) as the desired mature forest species alternated with rows of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), pawpaw (Asimina triloba), hazelnut (Corylus americana), and white pine (Pinus strobus) for generating income as the forest matures. Oak and chestnut required protection from deer. Oak had the lowest survival rate (61%) and chestnut had the highest survival rate (94%). While providing protection, Tubex plastic tubes also resulted in spindly tree growth. Plastic tubes did, however, improve pawpaw survival. Oak did best on well-drained locations. Chestnut and hazelnut were negatively impacted by forest edge more than oak or pawpaw. Overall there was a high degree of variability in tree growth suggesting that on low productivity sites, a planting density substantially higher than the desired final stand may be warranted to optimize the tree-vigor/micro-site match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]