High quality trees and shrubs.
We produce high quality seedlings, transplants, and potted stock. Our nursery seedling production uses an in-ground root pruning method that stimulates stronger, healthier seedlings that continue to show a 90% + survival rate. After 45 years of tree planting we know a quality root system is the most important thing for survival. Our potted trees hold this same philosophy, we grow them in the pot for at least one year while they develop a thick and vigorous root system, so when planted there is little loss of root system. They also require less watering and care. We can ship seedlings and transplants nation-wide via UPS in the spring ONLY.
Digging bare root seedlings with our plant lifterPre and post planting site preparation and maintenance.
Whether using a tree planter or hand planting, site prep is essential. Undesirable vegetation and grasses must be controlled to allow your newly planted trees to survive. After planting, competing vegetation must be controlled the first 3 years for your trees to thrive or even survive. The use of herbicides is usually the cheapest and most effective way to get your trees off to a healthy start, mulch is usually not recommended. A tractor sprayer is good for a larger plantings, a lawn tractor with a pull-behind sprayer works great for a planting of less than five acres, and the backpack sprayer works for windbreaks and smaller plantings. We provide the safest chemical formula that works to control competing vegetation to our customers.
Tree and Shrub Planting.
We can plant your trees no matter what size the job. We have the necessary equipment and experience to make sure your trees are the right species and planted at the right spacing for your site. You have the choice to plant any tree and we will will work with you and any govt. agency to see that this happens. We have done riparian buffers, living snow fence, reforestation, wildlife habitat, field windbreaks, and CRP/REAP plantings.
Windbreaks.
Since 1971 we’ve designed and installed windbreaks that have provided long-term protection. There are many poor choices for trees in a windbreak planting, we can do it right the first time for your home, farm or business. We recommend planting potted trees for windbreaks because of their larger size and developed root system. We’ve planted so many windbreaks and like them so much we created a website specifically for them. www.windbreaktrees.com
Larger Shade Trees.
We sell and install larger shade trees around your home, farm, or business. Proper trees for the soil conditions and placement will provide shade and beauty that will enhance your whole property and will increase your property value.
Wildlife Habitat.
We’ve been involved in creating wildlife habitat for 44 years, we know what species attract specific animals and planting techniques that promote wildlife. Whether you want deer, pheasants, quail, coyotes, rabbits, song birds, and more. The picture below shows a beaver dam built from a stream-side willow planting. This small creek is now deep enough to support larger fish like catfish or bass. It’s maintenance free and much cheaper than building a pond.
TSI – Timber Stand Improvement.
We can remove undesirable species then prune and thin your desirable species in your forest area. This act greatly increases the ability of your forest area to grow better quality wood resulting in a much higher end value product. This act should be performed periodically usually starting about 8 years after planting and should be a part of your overall management plan for your tree planting goals.
Controlling Destructive Animals.
According to Iowa State University/ Iowa DNR, many woodlands have 15-30 times more deer in them than the land and trees can support, reducing deer number is the only effective way to permit the trees to grow. Repellants are not effective on overpopulations of deer. We can advise you on the law and different options to prevent destruction of your trees and property. www.stopthedeerdamage.com
 Buck rubs occur in the fall |
 Deer browsing occurs year around. |
Livestock Buildings Planting
We have become the leader in Iowa for the placement of trees and shrubs around these buildings. Fast growing trees are 20′ tall in 3 years and block odors and beautify the site. Many cost share programs are available for these projects. See this page for most information behind the science of proper tree placement around livestock buildings.
Double row of Austrees