Tree sales begin

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Members of the Weston County Natural Resource District have the opportunity to purchase trees for conservation planting at a reduced cost between now and April 2, according to an email from Caleb Carter, the district director. 
“These trees are for conservation plantings and are sold in bulk in groups of 25 or 50. Conservation plantings include windbreaks, living snow fences, stream bank stabilization or planting around ponds or other riparian areas,” Carter explained. 
Offered through the sale are a wide variety of trees and shrubs that are compatible with the climate in the area. 
“These trees and shrubs are selected for their hardiness and for their adaptability to conservation use in northeast Wyoming. These trees are bare root or soil plugs and are typically 8 to 12 inches tall,” Carter said. 
Included on the order forms are a list of shrubs, deciduous trees, evergreen trees and crestwood potted shrubs and a description of each plant.  Prices vary depending on what a person purchases. Lots of 25 shrubs and trees are $35, bare-root trees range from $70 to $80, individual shrubs are $25 and individual trees are $35. The district also offers planting supplies, including landscaping fabric, tree protectors and anchor pins. 
Selling trees and shrubs isn’t all that the resource district does, Clark explained. 
“I am also happy to help
district members design their conservation planting and provide information on proper species, spacing and windbreak or living snow fence designs,” Clark said. “I can also help them test their soil if there are concerns about soil quality. This can help in species selection, especially in areas where the soil is high in salts or sodium or has other limitations.”
Also available through the district are large potted trees and shrubs for individual planting. These plants are in five-gallon buckets, according to Clark, and can be used to replace trees lost in conservation plantings or can be planted on their own. 
Once again, the district will also be offering their Community Tree Grant, Clark said. 
“This is a 50% cost share up to $500 that assists in planting trees on publicly owned property,” Clark said. “The city of Upton and the Newcastle Tree Board often take advantage of this cost share to plant more trees in city parks, around ball fields and greenways. This can also be used to plant trees around public buildings such as the library and courthouse. We would love to see this grow and to help plant more trees around the county.” 
Applications for the grant are due by March 5, while
the tree orders are not due until April 2, although Clark said that the earlier you order, the better. 
“It is a good idea to order early, as many varieties sell out quickly,” Clark said.