The right tree for the right situation
Conifers
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Pines (pine, spruce, fir, cedar, tamarack) have long needles.They usually prefer full or partial sunlight, and well-drained sites to thrive.
- Jack pine
- Red pine – Minnesota's State Tree
- White pine - White pine planting and care
- Tamaracks- turn a beautiful yellow and lose their needles every fall. They grow in bogs or fertile upland sites as far south as the Twin Cities.
Spruces and firs have short needles. They are important sources of wood fiber in northern Minnesota, and are excellent choices for windbreaks or shelterbelts. Balsam fir are an important source of wood fiber used in paper making. Spruces usually prefer more fertile soils than pines; some, like White spruce can tolerate lighter, more well-drained soils. Black spruce grows in bogs that cover a large part of northern Minnesota. White spruce is often used in windbreaks and shelter belts.
Cedars have scaled needles. Smaller than pines and spruces, cedars can provide wildlife cover and food. White cedar thrives in wetter, organic soils. Red cedar is an aromatic cedar native to southern Minnesota, and will tolerate poor, dry sites.
Deciduous trees
Deciduous trees (hardwoods) are known for their beautiful leaf color when they drop their leaves each fall. These species are used to provide excellent cover and food for wildlife, maple syrup, nuts, and lumber for fine furniture. The Poplar cultivars are special fast growing species used for windbreaks, fiber, and biomass.
Shrubs
Shrubs are multi-stemmed woody plants that rarely exceed 15 feet in height. Mix shrubs with tree plantings and add visual diversity and wildlife cover and food.
Seedling stock information
Improved Stock – Grown from seed that is collected in seed orchards managed with the Minnesota Tree Improvement Cooperative. Orchard trees are bred and selected for superior growth and ability to resist pests.
Transplants – Seedlings that were transplanted from a nursery bed to wider growing spaces. Compared to seedlings, transplants have more fibrous roots and thicker stems. Transplants grow better than seedlings, especially on marginal sites.
Seed source information
All State Forest Nursery Program seedlings are produced under procedures that ensure the identity and source of the seed, seedlings, and transplants. This identity is maintained throughout all phases of production and product shipment.