State nursery seedling sale is on

Some species are nearly sold out

People thinking about planting trees, shrubs and windbreaks can order seedlings through the state's Department of Conservation from now through April 15.
People thinking about planting trees, shrubs and windbreaks can order seedlings through the state's Department of Conservation from now through April 15.

The ground may be too frozen to dig right now, but it's never too soon to start thinking about spring seedlings.

Missouri residents can order a variety of tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks and erosion control now through April 15 through Missouri's only state forest.

"Our ground is frozen," said Mike Fiaoni, supervisor of the George O. White State Forest Nursery, where seedlings are grown.

The Missouri Department of Conservation offers two ways to order: Using an online seedling order form or by downloading a seedling catalog. Links to both methods can be found at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings/order-seedlings.

No internet? People can call the state forest nursery at 573-674-3229 and ask for one to be mailed.

MDC has been offering seedlings for more than 60 years. Species are available in bundles of 10 and 25, and while many varieties are sold out, there are many still available.

"Our most popular is the redbud tree," Fiaoni said. "You'd think it was the dogwood because that's our state tree, but no - it's the redbud."

Prices are cheap. For example, a bundle of 10 redbud trees is $8, and they are cheaper the more one orders. Each seedling is graded for height and stem thickness, and those not on par are not distributed.

When ordering their seedlings, customers can specify what month and week they want it delivered - UPS service is free to state residents - or they can visit the nursery and pick them up.

Nursery tours

The MDC website also offers information about site preparation and planning, planting methods and tree growth information. One can also visit the nursery and learn how their trees are grown, Fiaoni added.

The George O. White State Forest Nursery (near Licking and south of Rolla) not only grows Missouri species, they show visitors how it's done. By prior arrangement, officials there offer nursery tours, and visitors also can relax by the farm's newly constructed and stocked 3-acre lake.

"If they come in the late summer or early fall, they can see the seed processing," Fiaoni said. "We plant about mi- October."

In mid to late March, the nursery beds are "lifted," or raise upward to loosen the soil, free the roots and lay the seedlings flat so they can be collected for distribution.

During a trip to the nursery, visitors can also fish for bass, catfish and sunfish or do some bird watching, hike about and also seasonally hunt. There is a wheelchair accessible parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms and staffed office.

While there are 550 acres of forest, tree seedling nursery beds cover 101 acres. For more information, call 573-674-3229.