Trees

Trees..Long-Term Growth, Great Returns

Trees

Tri-Basin Natural Resources District (NRD) sells conservation tree seedlings and offers tree planting services to residents of Gosper, Phelps, and Kearney Counties. If you are a rural landowner who wants to have a windbreak or shelterbelt planted, contact your county NRCS office or the NRD office at 1-877-995-6688 for help in determining the type and number of trees and shrubs you need. Tri-Basin NRD offers cost-share funds for tree plantings and plastic mulch installation.

You can also purchase trees and shrubs to plant by hand through Tri-Basin NRD. Orders must be in multiples of 25 per species. The deadline to order is April 1. Call the NRD office for a complete list of trees available or visit the Tri-Basin NRD website to print an order form. Weed barrier may be purchased at the NRD office as well. This barrier not only suppresses weeds but also helps to preserve soil moisture.

Why Plant a Windbreak?

Windbreaks and shelterbelts provide many benefits. Windbreaks planted along field boundaries reduce soil erosion by reducing wind velocity. Shelterbelts planted around farmsteads reduce heating costs in homes and shop buildings. Shelterbelts can protect livestock from blizzards and serve as "living snow fences". Trees and shrubs also provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat for many species of birds and mammals.

For more information about Tri-Basin NRD's Conservation Tree Sales Program, email Nate Munter at nmunter@tribasinnrd.org.
 

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NRD Tree & Shrub Plantings

Tri-Basin NRD Tree Planting 2020Contact the NRD Office or your county NRCS for help in determining the type and number of trees and shrubs you need. The technician will make arrangements for the tree order and planting service. The NRD will plant the trees according to the plan. Trees are planted in the spring as soon as conditions are suitable. The NRD tree planting crew will notify landowners as to the approximate date and time of the planting.

Site Preparation

Good site preparation is a key to rapid tree growth and survival. The best site preparation begins the yearSite Prep Tree Planting before the trees are planted. On heavier soils, working the ground to kill competing vegetation is an excellent method of preparing the site. The technician assisting in planning a windbreak or habitat plot can advise you about the type of site preparation needed. The technician can also help you determine if herbicide carryover will be a problem.

Weed Control

Mulched Tree LineWeed control in the form of plastic mulch is available through the district. This woven material is installed over the trees after planting. Slots are then cut for the trees. Plastic mulch not only eliminates weeds but also helps to preserve soil moisture.

Planting Your Own Trees

Hand Planting TreesYou can also purchase trees and shrubs to plant by hand through Tri-Basin NRD. You can order trees and shrubs at the NRD or your local NRCS Office. Orders must be in multiples of 25 per species. The deadline to order is April 1. Weed barrier may be purchased at the NRD office as well. This barrier not only suppresses weeds but also helps to preserve soil moisture.

2024 TBNRD Hand Plant Order Form

 

Windbreak Renovation

Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP) cost-share is available for removing old windbreaks and planting new ones. It is best to plan a windbreak renovation at least one year in advance to allow for cost-share application approval, old windbreak removal, proper ground preparation and seedling planting. The site must be inspected prior to starting any work. Your NRCS office can help with the plans and paperwork. A list of available trees is on the hand plant order form under pricing.

For more information on cost-share click here or go to the Conservation Programs tab on the left.

Pricing

Trees and Shrubs: $1 .00 each/multiples of 25

Tree Planting (no mulch):  $ .55 per foot

Trees, Tree Planting, Mulch and Mulch Laying: $2.00 per foot

Drip Tape: $ .30 per foot

Drip Tape Set-Up: Minimum $35.00

Pull-In Charge: $55.00

Renovations: $275.00*

Shrub Thickets: $330.00*

Minimum 850 ft. per planting

Conservation Mulch (Material Only):   $ .45 per foot

Stakes:  $ .15 each

Seedling Tubes: $1.50 each

*Contact Tri-Basin NRD for site review

Tri-Basin NRD's Order Form for planting your own trees

Related Websites

Available Tree Species

Conifer

Austrian Pine

Colorado Blue Spruce

Norway Spruce

Ponderosa Pine

Red Cedar

Broadleaf

Black Walnut

Bur Oak

Hackberry

Red Oak

Swamp White Oak

Shrub

American Plum

Chokecherry

Cotoneaster

Elderberry

Lilacs

Red Osier Dogwood

Sand Cherry

Skunkbush Sumac

 

 

Tree orders are subject to availability at the nursery.

 

Weed control and frequent watering are of vital importance in order to improve survivability.