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Seedling tree program begins Nov. 1Colorado Morgan County Extension is accepting applications for the 2009 seedling tree program beginning Nov. 1. The purpose of the program is to enable farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners to plant new effective windbreaks that will reduce erosion, protect homes, cropland, livestock and highways and enhance wildlife habitat, at a nominal cost to the landowner. This opportunity to purchase seedling trees at a reduced price will end on Feb. 27, 2009. Please contact the Extension Office for information on available species. To participate, landowners must own at least two acres of rural land and agree not to use the trees for ornamental or landscaping purposes. These trees cannot be resold as living plants and are grown for their conservation benefits only. Contact local nurseries to purchase trees with guaranteed ornamental qualities. Order forms must be completed in full and returned to the Extension Office by Feb. 27 with full payment included. Plan the site before ordering and planting. Know the objectives and make and keep a diagram of the plan. Some factors to consider when designing the plan include deciding on the best location to meet the objectives. Consider prevailing wind direction, weed control methods, irrigation needs, drifting snow, the location of power lines and past land uses. Consider the size and shape of the tree or shrub at full-growth and plan on three to five years of care before the seedling tree is considered "established." Site preparation is crucial to the survival of the plantings. Prepare the site much like preparing a garden for planting. Plan to plow, disk, or rototill the soil to achieve necessary tillage. Strips four to eight feet wide are sufficient for planting rows. For best results, on all soils other than sandy soils, allow the soil to mellow and store moisture by preparing the site in the fall prior to planting. Sandy soils should be prepared just before planting to reduce soil blowing. "Trees for Conservation" is a publication developed by the Colorado State Forest Service with detailed information on planning, planting and care. A copy is available free of charge to aid in planning and may be picked up at the Morgan County Extension office, 914 E. Railroad Ave., Fort Morgan CO. The nursery stock is produced and distributed by the Colorado State Forest Service, Colorado State University. Distribution of seedling trees in Morgan County is scheduled for early April. For an application or more information contact the Joanne Jones at the Morgan County Extension office at 970-542-3542. 11/3/08 Date: 10/28/08
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