According to the Lower Loup Natural Resource District’s (LLNRD) November Newsletter, tree season for spring planting is upon us, and the NRD is accepting tree orders.
Thirty-seven species of trees and shrubs are available through the Lower Loup NRD this year. The list of available tree and shrub species includes favorites such as Austrian Pine, Black Hills Spruce, Hackberry, Honey Locust, Bur Oak, American Plum, Sandcherry, Hazelnut, and Skunkbrush Sumac.
New for this year is the Amur Maple, known for its brilliant fall foliage and tolerance of near drought conditions.
Seedlings start at $1.30 per plant. Bare-root seedlings must be ordered in lot sizes starting of 25 plants. Container plants are available in lots of 20 seedlings. For large plots or windbreaks, the LLNRD will machine-plant a minimum of 250 seedlings for $1.00 each.
Nursery supply varies from year to year, and as a result, the following species of trees and shrubs will not be available through the LLNRD for the 2025-2026 Tree Season: Douglas Fir, Limber Pine, Southwestern White Pine, American Elm, American Sycamore, Silver Maple, and False Indigo, as well as Common Milkweed, Butterfly Milkweed, and Swamp Milkweed.
Tree sales through the LLNRD Conservation Tree Program are limited to residents and landowners with property in the District.
Per the LLNRD, if there’s something you’re interested in planting that is not on this year’s list, reach out to Conservation Forester Aron Lewis though the main LLNRD phone number, (308) 728-3221. Lewis has a knack for finding species available in small quantities through a variety of nurseries.
Also available through the LLNRD, the booklet Conservation Trees for Nebraska describes dozens of popular tree and shrub species. The booklet also includes maps of where each species grows best, valuable tips on topics such as site preparation before planting, the best time to prune trees, how to renovate an existing windbreak, the benefits of drip irrigation on new tree plantings, weed control, supplemental watering, and much more.
Tree orders must be received by the Lower Loup NRD by April 1, 2026. Orders should be placed through the nearest field office, or through the LLNRD website order form. The form, booklet, and more information can be found at www.llnrd.org/programs/trees
