We recently purchased our first homestead in the south central part of Minnesota and we want to build a new grove for the purpose of a windbreak and nut and fruit crops. I am looking for information on where to purchase good trees (eg. oaks, hickory, walnut, chestnut, black cherry, ash, and sugar maple) Also I am trying to find information on the planning of groves/windbreaks, the set-up of one, such as proper distances between trees and row widths. Any information pertaining to my inquiries would be greatly appriciated. Thank you!

Mark & Jenny Schwab New Ulm, MN

-- Mark J Schwab (zonk_101@yahoo.com), June 20, 2000

Answers

Mark, you have an invaluable resource on this question in your local Soil Conservation District. There's one in every county in the country and they know their stuff when it comes to trees. (At least the ones here in Michigan do.) The districts are frequently housed with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (most districts are county/state funded, many are self supporting) which is in the business of setting up wildlife habitat and can help you also, most will draw up a plan and tell you how many trees etc. Most Conservation Districts have foresters on hand, and the service is usually free. Lots of districts also sell trees in the spring and fall for planting. Try your phone book under USDA for the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Used to work for a Soil Conservation District in Michigan and knew alot but have forgotten now, which is a shame, it's valuable info. Good luck!

-- Betsy (betsyk@pathwaynet.com), June 20, 2000.

Try Miller Nurseries in Canandaigua, NY. If you can't find them on the net, get back to me and I'll go find the catalog with 800 number. Incidentally, for a windbreak, white pine is excellent. Trim the leader and they will "bush". I would think you have them everywhere, and they transplant well. If you don't, plan a vacation to Maine, we'll cook some lobsters and clams, and you can go out back and dig as many (hundreds or thousands) of seedlings as you may want - free! Good reason for a vacation! GL!

-- Brad (Homefixer@SacoRiver.net), June 27, 2000.

And on your way back from Brad's, stop in Illinois and we'll head out to the woods and get you those oaks and maples - heck, I'll even throw in some hickory, sassyfrass and persimmon too. And some red buds for color in the spring - nothin' prettier!!

-- Polly (tigger@moultrie.com), June 27, 2000.