Tree seedlings still available
for people who want to plant a forest this spring
MADISON – Wisconsin residents demonstrate their conservation ethic every year by planting millions of tree seedlings to enhance and restore native forests. Spring is the ideal time to plant young trees and there is still time for people to arrange a tree planting project this year, according to Greg Edge, a tree nursery specialist with the Department of Natural Resources.
“There are a lot of benefits to establishing a forest tree planting,” Edge said. “Growing forest products, enhancing wildlife habitat, reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, conserving energy by establishing a windbreak and improving the aesthetics of the land are just a few of the many reasons to consider planting trees. Tree planting is also a great way to leave a living legacy to the next generation.”
Edge recommends that landowners who are contemplating large tree planting projects should contact either a local DNR forester or a private consulting forester for advice on species selection, site preparation, planting methods, tree planter rentals, and other considerations in establishing a successful forest tree planting.
Tree seedlings and wildlife shrubs can be obtained from both private and public sector nurseries in Wisconsin. Landowners can purchase seedlings from the DNR state nurseries for reforestation, wildlife habitat, windbreak and erosion control purposes. The minimum quantity that can be ordered from the state nurseries is 1,000 tree seedlings or 500 wildlife shrubs or one packet. Wildlife, energy, and shoreland packets include 300 seedlings each.
Hardwood tree species still available at the state nurseries include red oak, white oak, bur oak, black cherry, silver maple, green ash, white ash, river birch and yellow birch. Conifer tree species available include white spruce, white pine, red pine, hemlock and white cedar. Wildlife shrubs available include hawthorn, wild plum, silky dogwood, red-osier dogwood and gray dogwood.
Private nurseries throughout Wisconsin also report a good supply and diversity of conifers, hardwoods and wildlife shrubs for tree planting in spring 2006.
Forest tree seedlings and shrubs are distributed in April and early May. Landowners who order from the DNR can pick up their seedlings at the state nurseries located in Boscobel, Hayward, or Wisconsin Rapids, or in many counties at a central location designated by the local DNR forester. Applications to purchase state nursery stock are available from local DNR offices, service centers, state nurseries, or by visiting the DNR Web site. A list of private nurseries providing forest tree seedlings in Wisconsin is generally available from these same offices and the DNR website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Edge, La Crosse – (608) 785-9011, Griffith State Nursery, Wis. Rapids – (715) 424-3700, Hayward State Nursery, Hayward – (715) 634-2717, Wilson State Nursery, Boscobel – (608) 375-4123, or the DNR website.
WEBSTE:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/Nursery/
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