Ordering trees from the DNR’s State Forest Nursery just got easier. A new online sales site – http://nursery.iowadnr.gov/ – features dozens of quality native Iowa trees and an easy check-out process.
Also new in 2017 are changes to how nursery stock can be used to accommodate a wider audience of people wanting to order bulk trees:
- Customers can purchase trees in bundles of 25, compared to previous order minimums of 200.
- Seedlings can be used for any purpose, including windbreaks or decorative landscaping.
- People who purchase nursery seedlings can resell them or give them away. Before, state laws dictated that nursery stock had to be planted by the purchaser.
According to Nursery Manager Aron Flickinger, the nursery provides affordable, quality native plant materials for numerous natural resource needs.
“Planting trees and shrubs can help landowners reach a variety of goals,” said Flickinger. “Trees from the State Forest Nursery can be a cost-effective way to create wildlife habitat, beautify landscaping, improve erosion control, establish windbreaks and even save energy through shade.”
Tree varieties include 20 species of native hardwoods, nine evergreen species and 14 smaller trees/shrubs. Prices range from $.30 to $1.40 per seedling, and tree species are sold in three sizes ranges on the site, with the tallest around 30 inches. Some species are available in only one or two sizes, and may also be available for spring delivery rather than fall.
Orders can be placed anytime between August 1 and May 31. As part of the ordering process, customers can choose a shipping window for delivery – fall shipments begin the last week of October, and spring shipments begin April 1.
The State Forest Nursery is located in Ames and managed by the Department of Natural Resources. For more information visit the online sales site at http://nursery.iowadnr.gov/ or call during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, (800) 865-2477.