Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

South Platte NRD conservation trees now available

Fall is here and the South Platte Natural Resources District is ready to receive orders for conservation trees.

Conservation trees and shrubs are a great way to buffer noise and provide privacy and beauty to the landscape. Every year the Natural Resources Districts from across the State of Nebraska help to plant nearly a million trees. Over four million trees have been planted in the South Platte NRD since 1977.

Several varieties of bareroot trees are available. The Colorado Blue Spruce and Ponderosa Pine along with Black Walnut and Cottonwood are just some of the Conifers and Deciduous trees available for purchase again this year. Shrub choices include Chokecherry and Lilac along with several others. Each of the bareroot conifers, deciduous and shrubs are 90 cents each with a minimum order of 10 per species.

Regular potted trees will be available at $2.10 each, minimum order of 10 per species and small potted trees will be available at $1.45 each, minimum 10 per species.

If unsure what trees or shrubs would be the most effective in the space available or what each tree or shrub looks like, visit http://www.nrdtrees.org. The website has pictures of available species with descriptions of the average height and suggested spacing between trees and rows for effective planting. There are even charts that tell if the tree or shrub is native to one of four zones in Nebraska and whether it is suggested to plant in each zone. Conservation Trees for Nebraska books are available for free at the district offices during normal business hours.

The South Platte NRD and NRCS offices provide assistance with tree and shrub planting plans and have a list of contractors who have been certified in the handling and planting of trees and shrubs. There is also information about cost share opportunities and other services available at the District’s website, http://www.spnrd.org/Html/conservation_trees.html or by stopping by the District offices at 551 Parkland Dr. in Sidney.