COLUMBUS, OH State foresters will begin taking orders September 1 for tree seedlings that will be delivered for planting in spring of 2004, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). ODNR is the largest producer of tree seedlings in the state, selling more than 3,000,000 trees each year for the states reforestation efforts.
Planting trees is both good for the environment and a good financial investment, said John Dorka, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. Landowners use the seedlings for reforestation, wildlife habitat development, erosion control, windbreaks and other conservation projects.
Dorka encourages landowners to plan ahead for any tree-planting activities they might be considering next spring. Species selection and availability are best in the fall. Some species are in short supply and sell out quickly, so foresters suggest ordering as soon as possible.
More than 40 varieties of trees are available, including white pine, sweetgum, white oak, red oak, sugar maple and baldcypress. The trees, available in multiples of 50, are at least one-year-old and bare rooted. A minimum order of 100 trees is required.
A full listing of available species, prices and order forms are available at ohiodnr.com
Selecting the proper type of tree for a particular location and soil characteristic is essential for a successful planting. ODNR service foresters are available to help landowners in choosing the right trees for their particular objectives. This assistance is especially recommended for plantings in excess of one acre.
State foresters have planted more than a half-billion trees since our reforestation efforts began in the early 1900s, said Dorka. These efforts have helped Ohio grow to now being more than 30 percent forested, compared to just 12 percent forested a century ago.
Individuals planting forests may also be eligible for a special tax credit for their federal income tax.
The IRS allows for a 10 percent tax credit on the cost of reforestation projects which can be taken directly off an individuals federal income taxes, said John Dorka, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. In addition to the tax credit, Dorka advises landowners they can deduct up to 95 percent of certain reforestation expenses over an eight-year period.
For specific information about the availability of various tree species and their prices, or for a list of service forester office locations (by county) and telephone numbers, contact the ODNR Division of Forestry toll free at 1-877-691-8733 or on the Internet at ohiodnr.com