The waning days of winter often find Iowans thinking of spring and about planting trees and shrubs. But what species of trees and or shrubs should you plant? While exotic non native flowering or fancy colored trees and shrubs species may have an exciting appeal, using native trees and shrub seedlings from an Iowa grown nursery is best in terms of low maintenance and a healthy ecosystem.

"Native trees and shrubs are better adapted to Iowa's extremes in weather and to Iowa soils, providing superior native wildlife habitat," said John Walkowiak, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources forestry bureau. "Native plants have adapted themselves over time with insect and disease issues, and they are less likely to be stressed than non-native plants during extreme weather events such as late freezes or droughts, and they do offer tremendous spring flowering and fall color opportunities."

The State Forest Nursery, in Ames, produces hardy, native trees and shrubs at affordable costs for sale to private landowners for reforestation, soil erosion control and wildlife habitat. The State Forest Nursery has a good supply of native trees and shrubs perfect for any wildlife habitat project - whether it is for the backyard, a small acreage or large planting. Of special interest to many Iowans who may just be getting started planting native trees and shrubs, the State Forest Nursery has a 20 tree/shrub Song Bird packet for $20 and four Wildlife Packets of 200 trees/shrubs for $90. Call 800-865-2477 or visit www.iowadnr.com/forestry/ for more information.

Good sources for information about native trees and shrubs are your local DNR district foresters, private lands biologists, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, County Conservation Boards or county extension agents or check out www.iowatreeplanting.com.
 

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