Trees available through
Mille Lacs Soil Services
Posted 2/19/03

Why would anyone plant trees this spring? Almost everyone has a reason and you might happen to be one of those persons.

You might want to create a screen for privacy from a road, from the neighbor's property, or from an undesirable view. You might want to have a windbreak for your house, other buildings, or outside animals to help conserve your heat bills in winter. You might want a living snow fence so you don't have to plow snow drifts every time the winter wind blows. You might want more shade in certain areas. You might want to provide food, cover, or other habitat for wildlife species. You might want to harvest your own Christmas trees. You might want to have a tree plantation for future lumber harvest (maybe retirement income) and wood supply for future generations. From an environmental point of view, trees contribute to improved air quality as well. Look for future articles with more specifics on these individual types of projects.

Overall, most people who plant trees, whatever the reason, would probably agree that part of the reason is that trees are pretty. As to planting trees this spring, there is an old saying that applies: "The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The next best time to plant a tree is now."

The Mille Lacs Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office can assist you with the planting plans. The planning process includes determining your goals, choosing trees that are suited for the site (based on soils and water availability), and correct placement and spacing of trees. The SWCD can assist you with various sources of trees, and does also provide spring tree sales once a year to our valued conservation-minded landowners.

Trees through the SWCD are sold in bundles of 25 of bare-root trees and shrubs, with a choice of 32 different species. The tree sales help support and benefit conservation programs in the county. You can request a tree order form by calling the office at 320-983-2160 or pick one up at the office, located on the north side of Highway 23 on the west side of Milaca, across the parking lot from Koch's Hardware.