As dry conditions persist across Nebraska as spring starts, the Lower Loup Natural Resources District (LLNRD) is encouraging those in the area to take care of existing trees while also expressing the importance of new plantings through their annual tree sales.
LLNRD Information and Education Coordinator Alan Bartels said the unusually dry winter and start to spring has already had an impact on trees and shrubs across the region.
“Last Friday I was watering my sand cherries and my fruit trees and my yucca plant and I did it again Saturday, and the ground just soaked up that water out of the hose, and i know I need to do it again. This has been such a dry winter,” Bartels said.
View our full conversation with Alan Bartels at the video in this story
Outside of looking beautiful, trees serve an important role in conservation. Shelter belts help reduce soil erosion, improve moisture retention, and provide critical habitat for wildlife. Some species can also produce food, adding another layer of value for landowners.
LLNRD’s annual tree sales started back in November and end this Wednesday (April 1), giving those interested a wide variety of options. This year, about three dozen species of trees and shrubs are being offered including conifers, hardwoods, and ornamental shrubs that will appreciate Nebraska’s climate.
Bare-root seedlings are $1.30 each, available in bundles of 25. Container trees cost up to $3.35 per seedling with small acreage packages available for $65. Orders are limited to residents within the LLNRD area.
Speaking to the history of the program, Bartels said the impact has been great.
“Since our NRD was formed in 1972, we have planted more than 12 million trees, and a couple years ago we went to a ceremony in Lincoln and planted the ceremonial 100 millionth tree planted by NRDs across the state,” Bartels said. “Those shelterbelts you see across the landscape, there is a good chance those little seedlings came from the NRDs.”
Getting trees in the ground is a great start, but Bartels said the investment is long-term and requires care early on to ensure success.
“These little baby trees that people will plant or that we will plant for them are going to take some extra care to keep those things going, especially in dry conditions like we are seeing now,” he said. “It is definitely worth the investment because if they are healthy and taken care of, they will outlive us all.”
In addition to tree sales, the LLNRD offers machine planting services for an additional fee, with crews capable of planting thousands of trees per day. Cost-share opportunities may also be available for both planting and materials. The district is again offering coconut fiber mats, priced at $1.85 each or $46.25 per bundle of 25, to help control weeds and improve survival rates.
Those interested in ordering trees can visit the LLNRD website, contact their local NRCS office, or call the LLNRD directly at 308-728-3221. Orders must be submitted by April 1, as planting operations will begin for the season soon after.
