COLUMBUS, OH - Orders are now being taken by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for tree seedlings that will be delivered for planting in spring of 2003. ODNR is the largest producer of tree seedlings in the state, selling between three and five million trees each year for re-forestation efforts.
We have planted more than a half-billion trees since our reforestation efforts began in the early 1900s, said John Dorka, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. Ohio is now more than 30 percent forested, compared to just 12 percent forested a century ago. Were proud of our role in that dramatic turn-around.
Seedlings are sold each year by ODNR for use in reforestation, wildlife habitat development, erosion control, windbreaks and other conservation projects. The seedlings are also used for the states Field Windbreak Program, which has planted more than 750 row-miles of trees in 17 northwest Ohio counties to protect farmland from wind erosion.
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 suggests ordering as soon as possible.
More than 20 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 one to two years old and bare rooted. A minimum order of 250 trees is required.
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.
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