justnorth posted on March 24, 2008 23:00 :: 1856 Views
MADISON – Some varieties of tree seedlings are still available from state tree nurseries for Wisconsin landowners who are interested in planting trees on their property this spring.
“Wisconsin citizens show their conservation ethic every year by planting millions of tree seedlings to enhance and restore native forests,” says Avery Dorland, the tree nursery coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources. “Spring is the ideal time to plant young trees and there is still time to plan your tree planting project this year.”
Dorland notes there are a lot of benefits to establishing a forest tree planting, including 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.
“Tree planting is also a great way to leave a living legacy to the next generation,” Dorland adds.
Trees reduce carbon dioxide in the air, thereby reducing the warming “greenhouse” effect of the gas. Over the lifetime of a tree, several tons of carbon dioxide are eliminated.
Landowners who are contemplating large tree planting projects should contact their 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 1000 tree seedlings, 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, black walnut, black cherry, sugar maple, silver maple, black ash, white ash and yellow birch. Conifer tree species available include white spruce, white pine, and red pine. Wildlife shrubs available include silky dogwood, hazelnut and hawthorn.
Private nurseries throughout Wisconsin also report a good supply and diversity of conifers, hardwoods and wildlife shrubs for tree planting in spring 2008.
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 at http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Nursery/order/. A list of private nurseries providing forest tree seedlings in Wisconsin is generally available from these same offices and the DNR Web site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Avery Dorland, Madison (608) 335-0220 , 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 listed above.
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