Tree Program

The Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District's (SWCD) tree program was developed to provide landowners with an affordable and convenient way to purchase trees and shrubs for conservation practices such as, windbreaks, shelterbelts, living snow fences, and wildlife habitat. Trees provide many benefits to one’s property. It can reduce erosion on your property, protect water quality, increase energy conservation through strategically planned placement of trees next to your home, improve wildlife habitat and in general, and increase the aesthetics and value of your property.

The district has "conservation grade" trees and shrubs available for sale to rural landowners for planting each spring. "Conservation grade" means that they are bareroot and have some imperfection, like J roots caused by improper transplanting, a split top, or is short and stocky. Conservation grade is intended and suited for planting shelterbelts, erosion control, windbreaks, wildlife habitat and other conservation purposes. Our inventory includes a variety of bare root and potted tree species that are typically used in conservation plantings.

In addition to the sale of trees and shrubs, the district has a tree planter to plant the trees as needed. Free technical assistance is available for developing a planting plan. We can also assist with species selection for various practices. We also have a Tree Handbook available for sale to help you in your tree planting and care needs, as well as deer repellent, flags, mulch mats, and Tubex tree shelters.

Assistance to establish farmstead shelterbelts and windbreaks on non-cropped acres is available through the SWCD as part of the State Cost Share Program. Rows of trees and shrubs can be planted around a building site to protect from wind and blowing snow. Cost share covers 75% of the cost of site preparation, trees and shrubs, and planting.

Trees are sold out for 2008. More will be available in May of 2009.

TREE PROGRAM