Conservation District offers trees for fall

You can provide wildlife habitat, control erosion, establish windbreaks and screens, and reforest open land by planting conifer trees available through the Washtenaw County Conservation District Fall Conservation Tree Sale. Conifer trees, animal repellents, tree planting aids and bird nest boxes are available. Order forms can be obtained at the Conservation District Office, 7203 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, by calling (734) 761-6721 ext. 5, and on the District website at: www.washtenawcd.org. On-line ordering is also available through the District website. Tree species available include: 3 or 4-year old bare-root transplants of White Cedar, Balsam Fir, White Pine, Norway Spruce and White Spruce.

Planting trees can provide many benefits. A properly planted windbreak can help cut heating costs for your home; trees reduce soil erosion on slopes by providing permanent cover for the soil; and trees can also provide habitat to attract wildlife to your property. The three basic needs of wildlife are food, cover and water. Conifer trees provide good nesting cover for birds and thermal cover for larger animals, while the cones these trees produce are an excellent food source for birds and small mammals.

Animal repellents, weed mats, marking flags, fertilizer tablets and root dip to assist in tree planting can also be ordered. Plantskydd animal repellent is an all natural, non-toxic product that repels deer, rabbits and other small herbivore critters by odor and will not harm animals. It is applied either as a spray with a pressurized hand-held or backpack type sprayer and lasts up to 6 months over winter on dormant plants. Or the granular formulation is applied on the soil around plants to be protected.  

Also available are bluebird and wren or chickadee nest boxes. Manufactured to bird species specifications, these nest boxes are made from kiln-dried cedar and stainless steel screws, and are ideal for providing homes for bluebirds, wrens or chickadees.

Orders for trees, tree planting aids and animal repellents will be accepted through September 30, 2016 with pick-up scheduled for Friday, October 14, 2 – 6 pm and Saturday, October 15, 9 am to noon, tentatively at the Conservation District Office.

For more information on planting trees or to request a copy of the Fall Conservation Tree Sale order form, contact the Washtenaw County Conservation District, 7203 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. Telephone (734) 761-6721 ext. 5, or on the web at: www.washtenawcd.org.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District is a local unit of state government, assisting private landowners, businesses and others, with management of their natural resources in Washtenaw County. The District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.