Conservation department offers seedlings from state nursery

It's been a couple weeks ago that I received the Missouri Conservationist magazine. The removable center section was the current tree order form from the Conservation Department. I don't know if you have ordered from them before, but they have a super selection of trees, shrubs and such. And now you can order in smaller numbers than we used to be able to do.

Even if you live in town and think your limited space won't work, check out what they have. You just might find a place to plant a native tree, shrub or woody vine. The Missouri Department of Conservation's George O. White State Nursery near Licking offers Missouri residents a great variety of native seedlings.

I think one of the neatest things about simple things is enjoying the birds and rabbits and squirrels as they feast on the native nuts or berries or seeds. Several years ago we planted a number of deciduous holly bushes. The birds spend all winter picking off the brilliant red berries.

Seedling varieties include pine, pecan, oak, dogwood, tulip poplar, cottonwood, sweet gum, cypress, birch, hickory, willow, persimmon, pawpaw, deciduous holly, redbud, wild plum, ninebark, witch hazel, serviceberry, mulberry, elderberry and a host of others. Seedlings are available in quantities of 10, 25 or 100 per species. Prices for seedling quantities range from $6 to $32 per bundle. You'll receive a 15 percent discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card. Orders may be placed until April 15. Orders will be shipped or may be picked up at the state nursery from February through May. Quantities are limited, so order early.

You can check out the online site or by catalog. For images and information on available items, and ordering information, look in the department's 2015-2016 seedling order form catalog, which is available in the November issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at MDC regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov or by calling the nursery at (573) 674-3229. Call your neighbor. Maybe the two of you can share on order.

What we have found is that the seedlings actually do better than larger plantings simply because they are smaller. They seem to root more easily, and, as they grow, they seem stronger. We have had a lot more success planting in the spring than in the fall. We like to get our seedlings planted about the end of March or first part of April. Not only is the weather nice right then, but at that time we seem to have less going on, so it's easier to plant.

We moved out where we now live probably 18 or 20 years ago. There were quite a few trees, with most of them being soft wood types. We started planting bur oaks, shumard oaks, white oaks, hickory, tulip poplar, fir, spruce, persimmon, etc.

At first we would dig a hole and plant each seedling by spreading out the roots. Then we would make a kind of depression around the seedling to catch rain water, if and when it rained. But as time went by, we borrowed and then bought one of those tree planting spades. It works really well, but the percent of success isn't as good as digging the hole. At first we carried water and watered them all summer. After awhile we just stuck them in the ground and hoped for the best. Then next year we'd replant those that died.

We wanted a windbreak along the one side of our property, so we planted a row of oaks about 20 feet from our border fence. Then, next to the row of oaks, we planted a row of spruce and fir, with about 20 feet in between the rows. Those trees are probably close to 30 feet tall and thick enough it's hard to even walk between them. Great windbreak.

Two of my personal favorites are cypress and most of the evergreens, such as spruce or fir. Cypress isn't much of a shade tree, but I just enjoy seeing them and their velvety soft branches or needles or leaves. If you plant evergreens, watch them for bag worms. No matter how small they might be, those little bag worms will get them. It doesn't take many bag worms to kill a little evergreen.

Order some trees or bushes or woody vines. Mark on your calendar when they should arrive in the spring. Then you can have fun establishing greenery for future generations.

Have a good one,

Until next time.