DNR Annual Tree Seedling Sales To Begin On October 1.

Annual tree seedling sales to begin on October 1

Contact(s): Joe Vande Hey, 608-574-4904, Joseph.VandeHey@wisconsin.gov

Red pine are one of many species available from state nurseries beginning Oct. 1.Photo credit: DNR

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ reforestation program will be accepting orders starting October 1, 2018 from Wisconsin forest landowners for trees and shrubs to be planted in spring 2019. The high-quality seedlings are native species appropriate for planting throughout Wisconsin.

Seedlings grown at the state nurseries are used for reforestation and conservation plantings on private, industrial, and state/county forest lands. A minimum order consists of a packet of 300 trees or shrubs of the landowner’s choosing in increments of 100 of each species, or 500 shrubs or 1000 tree seedlings. Seedlings can also be purchased by youth groups and educational organizations for their reforestation and conservation planting projects.

“The DNR Division of Forestry grows 3-5 million seedlings annually,” according to Joseph Vande Hey, reforestation team leader at the Wilson State Nursery in Boscobel.  “However, since some species sell out quickly, customers are encouraged to place orders early.”

“Planting trees or shrubs is a great way to improve wildlife habitat, increase land value, reduce soil erosion, produce future wood products, and improve the overall aesthetics of your property,” Vande Hey says. “Planting trees is also a great activity that involves all ages of family members. It provides an educational experience and an opportunity to become more invested in the stewardship of the environment.”

Forest landowners may place orders starting October 1^st using an online form found on the DNR website (keyword “tree planting”) or by printing the order form, completing it and mailing it in. Customers may also contact the reforestation staffor the DNR forester who serves the area where their property is located for personal assistance. Printed copies of the order form are also available at local DNR offices.

In addition to the online form, customers can also find the following items on the reforestation section of the DNR website:

• Current tree and shrub inventory to ensure their tree choices are available.
• A seedling catalog with detailed information on seedling species available.
• A Frequently Asked Questions page with information on the ordering process, payment options, minimum order requirements and more.
• Links to contact information for a local DNR forester and the Griffith State Nursery (for anyone having specific questions).
• Links to additional tree planting information (including an app to help customers create a personalized tree planting plan; tree planting tips; reforestation supplies; site preparation; publications, webcasts, and videos; and information on planting for windbreaks and wildlife).
• Listing of private nurseries in case the state’s inventory of a desired species is depleted.

In addition to growing seedlings for use in Wisconsin, the reforestation program participates in research efforts, including tree improvement, nursery soils, nursery insect and disease and reforestation monitoring efforts. The DNR nurseries also purchases tree seed collected by state residents.