Missaukee Conservation District is gearing up for a fantastic Spring 2008.

In addition to the Seedling Sale, there will be a Native Plant Sale on May 3, 2008 from 11:00 to 1:00 at the same time as the Log Cabin Raffle drawing. This will take place at the Missaukee County Offices on Sanborn Road.

Each Spring Conservation Districts statewide hold a bare root seedling sale as a major fund raiser for various programs. Each District strives to fill the land management needs of their particular county while assisting and educating the private landowner with their wants, needs and concerns. Spring Seedling Sales are an economical way for landowners and land managers to purchase plants for reforestation, landscaping, buffers, etc.

In an effort to help keep expenses down, our mailing list has been reduced.  Contact chere.elenbaas@macd.org if you should have or would like to receive a 2008 catalog in the mail. Catalogs were mailed end of January, orders are placed into mid-April and seedling pickup will take place April 25 (from 9-5) and April 26 (from 9-1). Missaukee Conservation District welcomes you to use our website. Print your order form and mail it, fax it or phone us with your order. Cash, check, money order, Visa, Master Card and Discover are acceptable forms of payment. This is not a secure website. Do not attempt to send your credit card information on-line.

Michigan State University Extension has three bulletins available on-line for planting conifer or hardwood seedlings and weed control.

• Herbicides for Year-of-Planting Weed Control In Hardwood and Conifer Plantations

• Site Preparation and Tree Planting for Forest Production and

• Controlling Broadleaf Weeds and Grasses for Plantation Site Preparation

Partnering with Falmouth Co-op, you are invited to join us on April 26 for a
Wildlife Food Plot and Native Grass Planting Workshop
at the Missaukee County Road Commission from 11 am-12 pm.

Spacing and Planting Guidelines

For Reforestation:

The following rates and spacing will allow trees to grow without stagnation of growth or vigor, and will allow for maximum usage of available area.  We recommend mixing species for reforestation as this provides species diversity and therefore stability.

For windbreaks, wildlife, and visual screens:

*Shrubs may be planted in bands, clumps, or patches.

Planting Instructions

1.         Weed control is perhaps the most important measure to take to ensure survival and growth of your seedlings.  The best way to control weeds or sod is to “scalp” the top two inches of soil and vegetation in an area two feet around.  Herbicides can also be used (as directed on the label), or you can till up the area.

2.         During planting, keep the roots in a bucket of moist moss, paper or burlap. Remove one tree at a time so as not to dry out the roots.

3.         Insert a planting bar or shovel and work back and forth to create a hole big enough for planting.

4.         Place the seedling in the hole at about the same depth it stood in the nursery.  Make sure roots are in a natural, uncurled position (make certain that the planting hole is deep and large enough).  Cut the roots to about eight inches if needed, but do not break them off.

5.     Firm the soil around the seedling to prevent the roots drying out.

6.     If available, water should be used to wash soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.

Contact Us:

Phone: 231.839.7193
Fax:  231.839.5411

6180 W. Sanborn, Suite 3
Lake City, MI 49651