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Order trees for next spring now through DNR website

Wisconsin landowners can begin ordering tree seedlings in October for planting next spring.

State forestry officials say planting trees or shrubs is a terrific way to improve wildlife habitat, increase land values, reduce soil erosion, produce future wood products, and improve the beauty of property. Planting trees, they add, is a fun family activity that leaves a legacy and creates an environmental learning experience.

“I often have customers tell me how they planted trees with their dad or grandfather 50 years ago and now those trees are large enough to harvest,” says Jim Storandt, the superintendent at the Department of Natural Resources Griffith State Nursery in Wisconsin Rapids.

“The nursery program places a strong emphasis on customer service and we’re trying to make ordering seedlings as customer-friendly as possible,” Storandt said. “Customers can order online, or print the order form from the state nursery page of the DNR website and mail it in. Customers can also contact their local DNR forester to receive the form or pick up one up at a DNR Service Center.”

To order online, visit the DNR website.

In addition to the online form, customers who use the Internet have easy access to the following items.

-- A colorful State Nursery Seedling Catalog [PDF] that describes each species sold.

-- An up-to-date tree and shrub inventory to check if their tree choices are still available.

-- A Frequently Asked Questions document which explains the steps in the ordering process.

-- Links for contacting the local DNR forester and nursery staff [PDF].

-- Links to a Personalized Tree Planting Plan; tree planting tips; reforestation supplies; site preparation information and vendors; publications, webcasts, and videos; and information on planting for windbreaks and wildlife.

“The seedlings grown at our state nurseries are high quality, native species,” according to Pat Murphy, DNR nursery team leader, “and we strive to sell products to our customers at economical prices.”

Seedlings from the state nurseries are used for private, industrial, and state/county reforestation and conservation plantings. They can also be purchased by state youth groups and educational organizations for their reforestation and conservation planting projects. Seedlings that Wisconsin’s Grade 4 students receive as part of a school’s Arbor Day observance are also grown at the state nurseries.

According to Joseph VandeHey, superintendent of the Wilson State Nursery in Boscobel, since their creation in 1911, the state nurseries have produced more than 1.5 billion seedlings. The nursery program also participates in research efforts such as a tree improvement program, a soils research project and an insect and disease research. There is also an active seed collection program which purchases tree seed from state residents.

The state nursery program begins accepting orders for trees and shrubs the first week in October, according to Murphy. Anyone thinking about buying seedlings is strongly encouraged to place an order early because some species sell out quickly. Landowners also need to consider fall site preparation to ensure long term planting success.