Conservation Trees and Shrubs
Montana Conservation
Seedling Nursery
A
Guide to Seedling Handling, Planting and Care
Introduction
The Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery (MCSN), in cooperation with local
Conservation Districts and the DNRC, offers low cost tree and shrub seedlings
for use in conservation plantings. Suitable uses for MCSN seedlings include
farmstead windbreaks, shelterbelts, reforestation, erosion control, living snow
fences, stream bank stabilization, wildlife habitat improvement, and any other
acceptable conservation practice. Our seedlings cannot be used for ornamental,
landscaping, or other urban purposes.
Site Preparation:
The site for tree planting must be tilled before freeze-up in order to be
eligible to order trees for the next spring's planting. Trees should not be
planted in sod because the grass easily out-competes young seedlings, sod areas
have less available water, and sod clods can create air pockets that may cause
seedling roots to die. Proposed shelterbelts should be planned with at least 15
feet between rows and a 12-foot buffer on each outside edge. To calculate the
size of your site, use the following example: A 4-row windbreak is desired.
There are three 15-foot spaces between the rows and two 12-foot borders, so you
calculate:
(15 X 3) + (12 X 2) = 45 + 24 = 69
Your windbreak should be a minimum of 69
feet wide. Be aware that 15 feet between rows is a minimum recommendation. Most
landowners find that 15-foot spaces are inadequate for their tillage equipment
once the trees are a few years old and have branches protruding between the
rows.
Ordering:
The minimum order from the Montana Conservation Seedling Nursery is 250
seedlings. Orders from landowners with ten or more acres are given priority
until March 1. After March 1, orders from landowners with less than ten acres
are filled pending species availability. There is always a high demand for
trees so please order your trees as soon as possible to assure the best species
selection. The trees you order must be adapted to the soil, depth to water, and
elevation of the proposed site.