tree-rows-4-u

Will Tree Bark Grow Back?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:57:20 GMT

Will Tree Bark Grow Back?

March 3, 2025

You may have noticed some rodent damage to your young landscape trees over the winter. You may have made a bonehead move and nicked a tree with your mower, scraping a good bit of bark skin from your tree.

Tree bark, often referred to as the "skin" of the tree, plays a crucial role in protecting the tree from environmental stressors, pests, and diseases. But what happens when this protective layer is damaged? Can tree bark grow back, and if so, how?

The Function of Tree Bark

Tree bark serves as the first line of defense for trees, much like our skin does for us. It protects the inner layers of the tree, including the phloem, which transports nutrients from the leaves to the rest of the tree. The outer bark, or cork, acts as a waterproof barrier, shielding the tree from moisture loss and external threats.

Can Tree Bark Grow Back?

While trees can repair minor bark damage, major bark loss is a different story. When a tree loses a significant portion of its bark, it cannot regenerate the lost bark in the same way it grows new leaves or branches. Instead, the tree will develop thick, encrusted ridges around the damaged area to protect itself.

Helping Your Tree Heal

If your tree has suffered bark damage, there are steps you can take to help it heal. First, assess the extent of the damage. If the damage is minor, you can smooth out the edges of the missing bark to allow for clean regrowth. For more severe damage, it's best to consult with a professional arborist who can provide expert advice and care.

Preventing Future Damage

To prevent future bark damage, consider placing a protective barrier around the base of your trees. This can help shield them from lawn equipment and rodent activity. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance can catch potential issues early, ensuring your trees remain healthy and strong.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on the function and protection of tree bark interesting and helpful.

If you are interested in planting trees in North Dakota, we can help. We are a licensed North Dakota nursery, and a licensed landscape contractor in Bismarck, North Dakota. We have trees available for retail sales, and we also provide tree planting services near Bismarck, North Dakota. All of our selections are trees hardy for North Dakota, and many of them are trees grown in North Dakota. If you are looking for a wind screen tree row, a large North Dakota shade tree, or even just some landscaping trees near Bismarck, we are here to help with all of your North Dakota tree needs.

To see a few of our services offered: Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To see some of the trees we have available: Trees (treerows4u.com)

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you:
Tree Rows 4 U

Will Spring Flooding Kill My Trees?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 14:54:17 GMT

Will Spring Flooding Kill My Trees?

March 3, 2025

With the recent 90-degree swing in temperatures and the bit of rain that came with it, you may be noticing some large pools of water collecting in your yard. You might be wondering how this will affect your trees and shrubs and if it will kill them.

Understanding Flooding and Its Effects on Trees
Types of Flooding in North Dakota

Flooding can cause damage to trees in several ways. Massive flash flooding can cause erosion, damage to limbs with heavy winds and rain, and soft, muddy ground can cause trees to be uprooted with heavy winds. These floods happen on rare occasions with the Red and Missouri rivers. The damage from these can be devastating and can cause areas to become flooded for months on end. This can cause damage not only to your home but can kill trees that are forced to sit in it for weeks or months during the growing season. However, these aren’t the types of flooding we see widespread across North Dakota. While we should be aware of this as a possibility, it is not likely why you are here reading this now.

Seasonal Melt-Off and Heavy Rains

Heavy rains in the spring and summer can cause our rivers and creeks (not just the Big Muddy and the Red) to swell or cause low spots to flood just from water around the yard or your neighbors’ yards. These floods are more common in North Dakota and can also have damaging effects on our homes and landscapes. Ensuring that you do not have vulnerable parts of your home or landscaping in low-lying areas will help prevent damage when these floods occur.

How Seasonal Flooding Affects Trees
Dormant Season Flooding

The reason you are probably here reading this right now is for the seasonal runoff from the snowmelt that we see quite often when things warm up a bit in the spring. This seasonal flooding happens because of the rapid melt-off of the snow that has collected over the winter, often combined with some rain or fresh wet heavy snow or sleet. The water often gets dammed in by snow drifts, ice dams, or other features only present in winter. The fact that the ground is frozen and unable to absorb the water also causes this flooding to be exaggerated. This fact can also be what saves your trees and other landscape plants. While very few trees, shrubs, or landscape plants that grow well in North Dakota will tolerate much flooding, these plants are usually dormant or in a frozen state at this time of year. Once it warms up enough to thaw the ground and the plants' roots, the water is able to be absorbed or evaporated. This seasonal type of flooding is usually not much to be concerned with as far as your trees and other landscape plants go. Since they won’t be affected by it when they are dormant or frozen, and thawing out will usually mean the flooding goes away with it. You will want to keep your home and other things protected from the water, but don’t worry too much about your plants.

Growing Season Flooding
If flooding like this happens during the growing season, then you may have some reason for concern. Flooding during the growing season can lead to oxygen deprivation for the roots, which can cause symptoms such as leaf chlorosis (yellowing), reduced growth, and dieback. If you have areas like this in your yard that you would like to landscape, then you may want to either do some dirt work to bring this area up out of the flood zone or improve drainage. If this is not an option, then you will want to look for trees, shrubs, and plants that will tolerate some flooding.
Flood-Tolerant Trees and Plants

As mentioned before, there are not a lot of options in North Dakota, but here are a couple of options for each category: tree, shrub, perennial, and perennial grass. For more options, or to get an evaluation or recommendations from our experts, use these links.

Trees

Willow, Prairie Cascade (Salix ‘Prairie Cascade’) : Tolerates wet soil and flooding.
River Birch (Betula nigra) : Tolerates wet soil and occasional flooding.

Shrubs

Dogwood, Cardinal Red Osier (Cornus sericea 'Cardinal') : Thrives in wet conditions and can tolerate flooding.
Chokeberry, Autumn Magic (Aronia melanocarpa 'Autumn Magic') : Can tolerate wet soils and occasional flooding.

Perennials

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) : Adaptable to many soil conditions, including wet soils.
Switchgrass, Heavy Metal (Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’) : Tolerates wet soils and can withstand flooding.

Managing Flood-Damaged Trees

Immediate Actions

Improve Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling around tree roots.
Prune Damaged Branches: Remove any broken or damaged branches to reduce stress on the tree.

Long-Term Care

Soil Aeration: Aerate the soil to improve oxygen flow to the roots.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to support tree recovery.
Pest Management: Monitor for pests and diseases that may take advantage of stressed trees.

Preventative Measures and Landscape Planning

Landscape Design

Proper Drainage : Design landscapes with proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Strategic Planting : Plant flood-tolerant species in areas prone to flooding.

Protective Measures

Flood Barriers : Use barriers to protect vulnerable areas from flooding.
Community Resources : Utilize local resources for flood management and tree care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while spring flooding can pose challenges for your trees and landscape plants, understanding the types of flooding and their effects can help you take proactive measures to protect your greenery. Seasonal melt-off and heavy rains are common in North Dakota, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can minimize the impact on your trees and shrubs.

If you are unsure about how to manage flooding in your yard or need assistance in selecting flood-tolerant plants, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our experts at Tree Rows 4 U are here to help you with personalized advice and solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether it's improving drainage, choosing the right plants, or planning your spring planting, we are ready to assist you every step of the way.

We encourage you to contact us for an evaluation or to book an appointment with our experts. Together, we can ensure that your landscape thrives, even in the face of seasonal flooding. Let's work together to create a beautiful and resilient garden that you can enjoy all year round.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on the how flooding effects trees and other landscape plants interesting and helpful.

Tom Meier

Owner, Tree Rows 4 U

Helping you Grow, Row by Row

If you are interested in planting trees or other landscape plants in North Dakota, we can help. We are a licensed North Dakota nursery, and a licensed landscape contractor in Bismarck, North Dakota. We have trees available for retail sales, and we also provide tree planting services near Bismarck, North Dakota. All of our selections are trees hardy for North Dakota, and many of them are trees grown in North Dakota. If you are looking for a wind screen tree row, a large North Dakota shade tree, or even just some landscaping trees near Bismarck, we are here to help with all of your North Dakota tree needs.

To see a few of our services offered: Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To see some of the trees and plants we have available: Wholesale Trees, High Quality Trees - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you: Tree Rows 4 U

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Quaking Aspen, Native to Montana, a North Dakota Neighbor

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 18:50:33 GMT

Quaking Aspen, Native to Montana, a North Dakota Neighbor

February 6, 2025

Introduction The Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a beloved tree known for its striking appearance and unique characteristics. Native to North America, this tree is particularly well-suited for the diverse landscapes of Central and Western North Dakota. In this blog, we will delve into the features, preferences, and care requirements of the Quaking Aspen, referencing expert sources such as NDSU, USDA, NRCS, and local nurseries. We will also provide suggestions on how to incorporate this tree into your landscape and highlight the challenges and aftercare needs for its success.

Characteristics

Common Name: Quaking Aspen
Latin Name: Populus tremuloides
Size: Typically reaches 40-50 feet in height and 20-30 feet in width.
Form: Upright, oval to rounded crown with smooth, white bark that becomes furrowed with age.
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, with an average growth rate of 2-3 feet per year.

Soil, Climate, and Moisture Preferences 

Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 2-6, making it well-suited for the cold winters and variable conditions of North Dakota.
Moisture: Requires moderate moisture; it is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.

Landscape Uses The Quaking Aspen is an excellent choice for various landscape applications:

Residential Landscapes: Ideal as a specimen tree or in small groups to create a naturalistic look. Its shimmering leaves and white bark provide year-round interest.
Commercial Landscapes: Suitable for parks, streetscapes, and large commercial properties. Its fast growth and attractive appearance can enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces.
Windbreaks and Shelterbelts: Can be used in windbreaks to protect properties from harsh winds, thanks to its sturdy structure and dense foliage.
Free Expert Advice: Let our local North Dakota tree experts create a free plan for how to use Quaking Aspen in your ND landscape - Tree Rows 4 U

Challenges and Aftercare While the Quaking Aspen is relatively low-maintenance, there are some challenges and aftercare needs to ensure its success:

Establishment Period: Young trees require regular watering during the first few years to establish a strong root system. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain a strong structure. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the tree.
Pests and Diseases: Watch for signs of leaf spot, cankers, and aphids. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment can prevent serious issues.
Suckering: Quaking Aspen tends to produce suckers, which can lead to the formation of dense thickets. Regular removal of suckers is necessary to maintain the desired tree form.

Conclusion The Quaking Aspen is a versatile and resilient tree that can thrive in the challenging conditions of Central and Western North Dakota. By understanding its characteristics and providing proper care, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of this remarkable tree for many years. For more detailed information, consult resources from NDSU, USDA, NRCS, and local nurseries in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota.

For more information on planting and caring for Quaking Aspen trees, visit our website or contact Tree Rows 4 U. We offer a variety of trees and shrubs that are well-suited for your landscape needs. Explore our Deciduous Trees and Planting Services pages to learn more.

Claim your free North Dakota landscape tree evaluation: Tree Rows 4 U

References:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

Local nurseries in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota

For personalized assistance and expert advice, don't hesitate to contact us. Let Tree Rows 4 U help you create a beautiful and thriving landscape with the Quaking Aspen and other suitable trees for your area. Happy planting!

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on the Quaking Aspen and landscape uses and challenges in North Dakota interesting and helpful.

If you are interested in planting trees in North Dakota, we can help. We are a licensed North Dakota nursery, and a licensed landscape contractor in Bismarck, North Dakota. We have trees available for retail sales, and we also provide tree planting services near Bismarck, North Dakota. We can also work with your landscaper or recommend one of our landscape partners if you require full landscape services. All of our selections are trees hardy for North Dakota, and many of them are trees grown in North Dakota. If you are looking for a wind screen tree row, a large North Dakota shade tree, or even just some landscaping trees near Bismarck, we are here to help with all of your North Dakota tree needs.

To see a few of our services offered: Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To see some of the trees we have available: Trees (treerows4u.com)

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you:
Tree Rows 4 U

Autumn Blaze Maple

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 18:43:24 GMT

Autumn Blaze Maple

February 2, 2025

Introduction
The Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred') is a popular choice for both residential and commercial landscapes in Central and Western North Dakota. Known for its vibrant fall color and rapid growth, this hybrid maple combines the best traits of its parent species, the Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and the Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum). Though it is very popular, and can be a great choice for plantings all across the state of North Dakota, there are a few challenges and considerations to keep in mind when planning to include an autumn Blaze Maple in your ND landscape. In this blog, we will explore the characteristics, preferences, and care requirements of the Autumn Blaze Maple, referencing expert sources such as NDSU, USDA, NRCS, and local nurseries.

Characteristics

Common Name: Autumn Blaze Maple

Latin Name: Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'

Size: Typically reaches 40-55 feet in height and 30-40 feet in width.

Form: Broadly oval to rounded crown with a strong central leader.

Growth Habit: Fast-growing, with an average growth rate of 3-5 feet per year.

Soil, Climate, and Moisture Preferences 

Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it well-suited for the harsh winters and variable conditions of North Dakota.
Moisture: Requires moderate moisture; it is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods. These trees will require supplemental water in new plantings to help them get established, but after 2-3 years are generally happy and healthy on well suited site all across North Dakota.

Free expert advice to find out if Autumn Blaze Maple is right for your North Dakota Landscape: Tree Rows 4 U

Landscape Uses The Autumn Blaze Maple is an excellent choice for various landscape applications:

Residential Landscapes: Ideal as a shade tree for yards, providing a stunning display of red-orange foliage in the fall. Its rapid growth makes it a great option for new developments or areas needing quick coverage.
Commercial Landscapes: Suitable for parks, streetscapes, and large commercial properties. Its uniform shape and vibrant color can enhance the aesthetic appeal of public spaces.
Windbreak: Can be used as a windbreak with single or groups of trees strategically placed to protect properties from harsh winds thanks to its sturdy structure and dense foliage.
Free Consultation: Spend 30 minutes with our tree experts to discuss the best use of Autumn Blaze Maple in your ND Landscape: Tree Rows 4 U

Challenges and Aftercare While the Autumn Blaze Maple is relatively low maintenance, there are some challenges, and aftercare needs to ensure its success:

Establishment Period: Young trees require regular watering during the first few years to establish a strong root system. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Tree Rows 4 U stocks tree watering bags and includes wood mulch placed around the base of every tree that we plant. If you need a watering bag or a tree planted contact us here: Tree Planting, Landscaping - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain a strong structure. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the tree. You can reference our tree trimming articles here: How to Trim your North Dakota Trees for Bismarck Landscaping or explore helpful videos on our Facebook page: Facebook
Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but watch for signs of leaf scorch, verticillium wilt, and aphids. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment can prevent serious issues.
Soil Compaction: Avoid planting in areas with heavy foot traffic or soil compaction, as this can hinder root growth and water absorption.

Conclusion The Autumn Blaze Maple is a versatile and resilient tree that can thrive in the challenging conditions of Central and Western North Dakota. By understanding its characteristics and providing proper care, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of this remarkable tree for many years. For more detailed information, consult resources from NDSU, USDA, NRCS, and local nurseries in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota.

References:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Local nurseries in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota

For more information on planting and caring for Autumn Blaze Maple trees, visit our website or contact Tree Rows 4 U. Happy planting!

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on the Autumn Blaze Maple and landscape uses and challenges in North Dakota interesting and helpful.

If you are interested in planting trees in North Dakota, we can help. We are a licensed North Dakota nursery, and a licensed landscape contractor in Bismarck, North Dakota. We have trees available for retail sales, and we also provide tree planting services near Bismarck, North Dakota. We can also work with your landscaper or recommend one of our landscape partners if you require full landscape services. All of our selections are trees hardy for North Dakota, and many of them are trees grown in North Dakota. If you are looking for a wind screen tree row, a large North Dakota shade tree, or even just some landscaping trees near Bismarck, we are here to help with all of your North Dakota tree needs.

To see a few of our services offered: Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To see some of the trees we have available: Trees (treerows4u.com)

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you: Tree Rows 4 U

Can I Buy Trees Online?

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 18:33:26 GMT

Can I Buy Trees Online?

February 2, 2025

Why Buying Trees Locally in Bismarck, ND is Your Best Bet

When it comes to buying trees for your home or landscape in Bismarck, ND, it's essential to consider more than just the cold hardiness zone. While online nurseries might seem convenient, they often overlook the unique challenges we face here in Central and Western North Dakota. Here's why buying trees locally can make all the difference.

Understanding Local Growing Conditions

In Bismarck and other parts of Central and Western North Dakota, we deal with a variety of factors that can affect tree growth, including:

Cold Hardiness: Our winters can be harsh, and while a tree might be rated for our zone, it doesn't guarantee survival.
Average Annual Rainfall: We experience varying rainfall, which can impact tree health.
Soil Composition and pH: The local soil can be quite different from where the tree was originally grown.
Long Dry Winters and Winter Winds: These can cause winter burn and other issues.
Hot Summers: Our summers can be intense, requiring trees to be drought-tolerant.

The Advantage of Local Expertise

Buying from a local nursery means you get access to experts who understand these challenges. They can recommend trees that are more likely to thrive in our specific environment. For example, Arborvitae is a popular choice, but it has its quirks:

Winter Winds: Even if cold-hardy, Arborvitae can suffer from winter burn. Local experts can advise on placement and protection.
Deer: Deer love Arborvitae, especially in winter. Local nurseries can suggest protective measures.
Drought Tolerance: While drought-tolerant, Arborvitae still needs supplemental watering, especially in its early years.

Cost Considerations

While online nurseries might advertise lower prices, shipping costs can add up. Local nurseries often have competitive pricing and the added benefit of local expertise. Plus, buying locally supports our community and ensures you're getting trees that are well-suited to our environment.

Top Reasons Why You Might be Tempted to Buy Online

"Online nurseries are cheaper": While these online nurseries often advertise sales or free shipping, these costs are baked into their prices and passed on to you. Consider the hidden costs of shipping and the potential for buying trees that won't thrive here. That "cheap tree" may end up costing you much more than you had planned.
"I don't have time to visit a local nursery": Many local nurseries offer online ordering and delivery, combining convenience with local expertise. Our experts are just a click or call away, and ready to get you tailored advice quickly.
"I want a wider variety": Local nurseries often have a curated selection of trees that are proven to succeed in our area, reducing the risk of failure. The variety you are looking for may not even be appropriate for your landscape, and your local nursery may have a much better alternative.

Conclusion

Buying trees locally in Bismarck, ND, offers numerous benefits, from expert advice to better-suited plants. Your local nursery can help you choose the right trees and provide strategies to ensure they thrive in our unique environment. Support local businesses and give your trees the best chance to grow big and strong.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on local North Dakota nurseries versus online nurseries interesting and helpful.

If you are interested in planting trees in North Dakota this coming Spring, we can help. We are a licensed North Dakota nursery, and a licensed landscape contractor in Bismarck, North Dakota. We have trees available for retail sales, and we also provide tree planting services near Bismarck, North Dakota. All of our selections are trees hardy for North Dakota, and many of them are trees grown in North Dakota. If you are looking for a wind screen tree row, a large North Dakota shade tree, or even just some landscaping trees near Bismarck, we are here to help with all of your North Dakota tree needs.

If you have landscape needs outside of trees, shrubs and other North Dakota landscape plants, we have a large network of Local North Dakota Landscapers who can help you with ALL of your Landscaping in Bismarck, or all across Central and Western Noth Dakota. If you already have a local landscaper that you enjoy working with, ask them for Tree Rows 4 U trees and plants, from local North Dakota Tree and Plant Experts.

To see a few of our services offered: Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To see some of the trees we have available: Trees (treerows4u.com)

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you:
Tree Rows 4 U

North Dakota Winter Landscape Checklist

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 18:28:20 GMT

North Dakota Winter Landscape Checklist

February 30, 2025

Your landscape is UGLY! It needs some major help, but it is the middle of Winter in North Dakota. What could you possibly do right now with your landscape? There are a few items on the North Dakota Winter Landscape Checklist that you should be doing now, to make sure that you are able to get the most out of your Spring.

#5 - Pest Control - Missing this item could end up with you having a dead tree in your yard come Spring. Check for rabbit and rodent activity in your yard. Rabbits and voles are common critters in North Dakota, and while it is great to have a little wildlife enjoying the habitat in your yard, you don't need to set the buffet table for them. If you see signs of the critters, check around the base of your trees for bark or skin that has been chewed off. If you see damage, then you already have a problem. You can protect your trees with plastic tree guards or tree wrap. If the damage is already severe, then you may need to make some repairs before you add protection. If the bark or skin has been removed in a complete circle anywhere along the trunk, then those critters have completely severed the trees lifeline. It may be possible to repair with bridge graphting, or application of a tree wound dressing product.

If you are still unsure of the damage done, or what to do about it get expert help here: Tree Rows 4 U

#4 - Trim Your Trees - Winter is the ideal time to trim most fruit trees and deciduous trees (leafy shade trees or flowering ornamental trees). These trees are dormant in the winter, and that helps to protect them from the shock of limbs being trimmed from them. A dormant tree will also not attempt to grow a new shoot from a trimming wound site. It will be more likely to harden that wound site, and seal it off from growth or damage when it wakes in the Spring.

Winter in North Dakota also means that it is usually too cold for insects and disease to infiltrate your trees at the wound sites created from trimming. If a wound is created from trimming in the spring or summer when it stays warm out, it is likely to attract insects and disease. This could lead to damage in the tree, even a total loss of that tree. In the worst of cases, it could promote insects and disease to spread to other nearby otherwise healthy trees.

If you need some guidance on how to trim your trees, see our expert guide here: How to Trim your North Dakota Trees for Bismarck Landscaping

If you have cut down your entier tree, and need a replacement contact our experts here:

Tree Rows 4 U

#3 - Mulch - If you missed this winter preparation step this past Fall, then shame on you. Adding mulch now can still help to protect your tree from the remaining cold months ahead before we thaw in Spring. Be sure to mulch to 3-4" deep and use natural wood mulch as it has the best moisture retention and insulation. Natural wood mulch will also decompose and turn into fertile soil for your tree over time. Hardwood chips or shavings should not be used as they can invite rot and mold. most evergreens and poplar varieties will resist mold, ND native cottonwood makes great wood mulch so long as it is free of insects and disease. Next year, remember to freshen up your mulch before Winter sets in if it is needed.

#2 - Remove Tree Watering Bags - Again, if you missed this step in Fall then shame on you. The primary reason to remove the bags is to avoid encouraging rodents to make their winter homes inside them. When you remove the bags, be sure to check for rodent damage or other rodent signs. Refer back to #5 if you notice any signs. These bags make watering during the growing season very convenient, but they can be a home for unwanted guests in the Winter. Remove the bags, clean them off, and fold them up to set aside with your garden tools and other outdoor items that you will pull out first thing when Spring arrives. These bags take up very little space when neatly folded and should not be a large burden to store in your garden shed or garage over the winter. Don't miss that step of cleaning them off, there may be creepy crawlers inside.

#1 - Plan for Spring Tree Planting Now - Don't wait until Spring to plan. You should be enjoying your yard, not stressing about it. If you plan now, it will ensure that you are able to get the work that you need done early. You are likely to get better pricing by booking landscaping or ordering plants during the off-season when nurseries and landscapers have the most time and the best stock availability. Most landscapers and nurseries are first-come, first-served. This means that if you wait until the time when you need to be planting, you may be waiting in line. Starting now will also allow you time to create a much better plan, make revisions if needed, and have a final plan ready before others are even thinking about their Spring. You can relax, knowing that you have the best experts already set to come take care of your landscape as soon as the season allows. If you have not already started your Spring landscape plans, begin with FREE EXPERT LANDSCAPE TREE PLANS

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on the North Dakota Winter Landscape Checklist interesting and helpful.

To see a few of our services offered: Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To see some of the trees we have available: Trees (treerows4u.com)

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you:
Tree Rows 4 U

Meet Tom & Jessica

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 18:19:10 GMT

Meet Tom & Jessica

January 30, 2025

Meet Tom and Jessica, the heart and soul behind Tree Rows 4 U. Their journey began in 2010 when they planted their first trees together at their family home. What started as a simple passion for gardening quickly grew into a mission to make tree planting accessible and affordable for everyone in Central and Western North Dakota.

Tom, with his engineering background, designed and built specialized nursery equipment to improve planting methods. This innovation allowed them to efficiently plant large numbers of trees, even on smaller properties. Jessica, with her keen eye for detail and love for nature, ensured that every tree was planted with care and precision.

Their dedication didn't go unnoticed. Friends, family, and neighbors soon began requesting their help with tree planting. With each project, Tom and Jessica learned more about the unique soil conditions and challenges of the region. They expanded their knowledge, improved their equipment, and diversified the tree and shrub species they offered.

In 2021, they founded Tree Rows 4 U to share their expertise and passion with the community. Today, they offer a wide range of trees, shrubs, and perennials at competitive prices, along with planting services that ensure each plant thrives.

As spring 2025 approaches, Tom and Jessica are excited to help you transform your landscape. Whether you're looking to add shade trees, ornamental shrubs, or a lush garden, they have the knowledge and resources to make it happen. Reach out to Tree Rows 4 U today to get on their tree planting schedule and experience the difference that local expertise and genuine care can make.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on the energy cost saving benefits of North Dakota trees interesting and helpful.

If you are interested in planting trees in North Dakota for energy cost savings, we can help. We are a licensed North Dakota nursery, and a licensed landscape contractor in Bismarck, North Dakota. We have trees available for retail sales, and we also provide tree planting services near Bismarck, North Dakota. All of our selections are trees hardy for North Dakota, and many of them are trees grown in North Dakota. If you are looking for a wind screen tree row, a large North Dakota shade tree, or even just some landscaping trees near Bismarck, we are here to help with all of your North Dakota tree needs.

To see a few of our services offered: Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To see some of the trees we have available: Trees (treerows4u.com)

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you:
Tree Rows 4 U

How to Trim your North Dakota Trees for Bismarck Landscaping

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:14:26 GMT

How to Trim your North Dakota Trees for Bismarck Landscaping

February 19, 2024

You may not be thinking about Trees in Bismarck, North Dakota right now, but you should be. As a landscaper in Bismarck, North Dakote there is not much to do in the dead of winter. Trimming North Dakota shade trees and fruit trees in Bismarck is one thing that is best done this time of year.

Right now, is the perfect time to trim most of your deciduous North Dakota trees. Winter is the right time to trim trees in Bismarck, ND. There are a few exceptions. Some early flowering trees like Dogwood, should be pruned immediately after flowering. Some, like crabapple are susceptible to fireblight, and should be pruned during dormancy. Check with your local USDA forestry extension office if you are unsure.

There are a few primary reasons for trimming. Safety, Aesthetics, or Tree Health. Your reasons for trimming will guide what needs to be trimmed from the tree. Once you have determined which branches are to be trimmed, and which branches should remain it is time to get to work.

Before you get started, here are some tips on HOW to trim your North Dakota trees.

The general guidelines for fruit trees and shade trees in North Dakota are much the same. Reference the picture at the head of this article to help identify problem branches that should be removed. Start by inspecting around the root collar at the base of the tree. Look for roots that are circling the tree as these may girdle and choke the tree as it grows. Remove suckers that will compete with the tree for resources. Then move up the trunk and gradually remove lower branches to provide desired clearance under tree. This should be done in annual stages until the tree is tall enough to remove less than 25% of branches to provide desired clearance. After this is achieved, any new growth under this level should be removed to maintain this desired clearance.

Use the guide above for removal of large or small branches. Small branches may be removed in a single cut as there is little weight on them to cause damage during removal. Large branches must be removed in a more methodical approach. Start by making an undercut out just beyond the desired final cut. The undercut should penetrate over one third, but less than half of the thickness of the branch. The second cut is made on the top side, just out beyond the first undercut. Cut all the way through with this cut. The first undercut will prevent the second through cut from tearing the branch back further toward the trunk than desired. Should the branch begin to tear, it will tear only back to this point, and fall off. With the bulk of the weight removed, then the branch may be through cut back closer to the trunk. Be sure to stay out just beyond the collar (thick, sharp taper) of the branch. With little weight left to bend, break and cause damage this final cut may be made clean through the branch.

Broken or diseased branches should also be removed when pruning. These branches have little chance of growing strong or productive. They rob the rest of the tree of nutrients, and they may even cause damage to other parts of the tree by breaking or spreading disease. Crossing branches should be removed as they may become damaged or diseased, or damage other healthy desirable branches.

Water sprouts should be removed as they will not produce further strong attachments for branches and may grow to become crossing branches. Branches with narrow crotches (sharp angle up along main trunk), or branches that grow back toward the main trunk should be removed as they pose the same issues as water sprouts and crossing branches.

Malformed and multiple branches should be removed. They will not form strong attachments or produce further strong branching for expansion of the tree and are undesirable.

Finally, competing leaders should be removed. They can compete with the leader for space, and cause weakness in all of the leaders that may result in damage due to wind and weight further in the life of the tree. The form created by competing leaders is also not appealing and undesirable.

If along the way here you reach a point where you are no longer able to safely remove the undesirable branches, you may want to hire a professional tree trimmer. You should always hire a reputable and license arborist. There are many licensed arborists in Bismarck, ND. If you need help in contacting or selecting one, we can help. We work closely with arborists as we replace trees after they have removed diseased, damaged or otherwise undesirable trees. They also serve to treat, protect and maintain trees for our customers for many years after we have planted them.

If you need trees in Bismarck North Dakota or need some help in selecting North Dakota landscape trees Tree Rows 4 U has the answers and the trees. Please book a consultation with us, and we can help you grow.

Thank you for reading,

Planting Trees in North Dakota to Reduce Energy Costs

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 16:05:30 GMT

Planting Trees in North Dakota to Reduce Energy Costs

February 22, 2023

It is easy to see the aesthetic benefits of planting trees. The visual appeal of a well landscaped property with nice large trees easily beats out a bare lot for most of us. Did you know though, that planting trees can help save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars in annual energy use costs? The most amazing part of this is that it can save you money in both the Summer AND the Winter!

Winter Heating Cost Savings for North Dakota Trees

North Dakota winter are harsh. We have some of the longest, coldest winters in the US. North Dakota is far from the coasts and gets no benefits from the warm air off of the oceans. North Dakota is far north of the equator and gets less than 8 hours of daylight in the deep of winter. Worst of all, North Dakota is very windy especially it seems, in the winter. This is where trees in North Dakota can save you some big bucks in the winter. A North Dakota tree row wind break can help to reduce heat loss on your home by 10% even as much as 25% according to the USDA. As the wind roars across the North Dakota plains, when it is met by a wind break of North Dakota trees, the wind speed on the other side is most greatly reduced at distances of 2-5x the tree heights. That means if you have a thick row of hardy North Dakota Evergreen Trees that is 30 feet tall, the wind is most greatly reduced at a distance of 60-150 feet behind that tree row windbreak. Inside that area, the reduced wind speed carries up to 25% less of your homes heat away, and 25% less heat carried away by the North Dakota winds means that you are spending less money fueling your furnace to replace that heat. Given that we experience windy days almost every day in North Dakota, and that we have a solid 6, up to 7 or 8 months of winter here, that could mean a large savings by reducing your heating costs. If your average heating bill over those winter months is $150/mo., then you could save almost $40 every month. Over the entire winter that adds up to about $250, and over a 10-year period that number jumps to $2500 in heating cost savings alone from an effective North Dakota tree row. Of course, it can take time for trees to grow to a mature size providing an effective windbreak, but according to the USDA you can experience 3% savings only a few years after planting conservation grade trees, and up to 13% savings after only 15 years. If you plant larger trees to start you could see those savings almost immediately. North Dakota Grown evergreen trees like Colorado Spruce or Scotch pine are often available in sizes of 3 feet, 5 feet, up to 8 feet tall or more. A 5-foot-tall Colorado Spruce gives you a jump of about 10 years on a bare root conservation grade sized tree.

Summer Cooling Cost Saving for North Dakota Shade Trees

While winters in North Dakota are brutal, Summer can be almost as far to the opposite extreme. With long daylight hours, and often dry periods lasting months long the heat of 100-degree summer days can really be hard on your home air conditioner. A small relief from that heat in the form of shade can be a very welcome treat. Enter, the North Dakota Shade Tree. While we do not have a vast selection of native North Dakota shade trees, we do have some excellent selections, and there are always new varieties being grown and tested by the NDSU ag research extensions. A few well-placed shade trees can reduce the radiant heat of the sun on your home's exterior, and even shade the interior where there are windows on any but the north side of the home. Even with blinds or shades on a window the radiant heat from the sun can increase the interior temperature of you home in that room by as much as 10-15 degrees. Choose a nice North Dakota shade tree like a Bur Oak, Silver or Autumn Blaze Maple, Prairie Expedition American Elm, or even the great North Dakota Native Cottonwood Tree. These trees can have canopy spreads of 40 feet or wider in their maturity. When properly placed in your yard to provide shade on the exterior and windows of your home, these large trees can provide an energy savings by blocking the heat from the sun when it is at its strongest in the late morning and early afternoon. Smaller trees or even tall shrubs placed to block the sun from the East and the West will provide shelter then in the early morning, and the late afternoons. This strategy can provide protection from your home, and energy savings all day long in the hot North Dakota summers. This shade can also make your outdoor spaces more pleasant and encourage you to want to use them more often. The added advantage of the wind break benefits discussed for winter, also carry over to make your backyard a calmer more enjoyable space in the summer.

Transpiration is another way that trees can help to cool your yard and your home, and reduce your energy costs as well as actually regulate outdoor temperatures. You may be asking yourself, what is transpiration, and how do North Dakota Trees regulate outdoor temperatures. Take a look at the infographic below, and read on for more information.

North Dakota Trees need water. They use this water in a few ways. One way is for growth in the process of photosynthesis. Trees absorb water through their fine roots, collected into the larger roots and transported up the trunk and out to the leaves where they use light energy to convert the water, carbon dioxide and minerals absorbed through the roots along with the water into oxygen and energy rich organic compounds. Photosynthesis though is only one way that North Dakota tree utilize water. The rest of the water used by trees is used for regulating temperature through evaporation which we all learned about in elementary school science classes, and transpiration another process returning water in the form of vapor to the atmosphere. This process uses the same water absorbed in through the tree's roots, and up the trunk out to the leaves, but this water is then released into the atmosphere by the tree when the heat is higher than ideal for it. The release of the water utilizes energy from heat and the radiant energy of the sun (which would otherwise be converted into heat) to transform the water into water vapor. This use of energy results in a reduction of heat energy. This is the tree's way of regulating its own temperature, but it results in a reduction of the temperature of the air around the tree as well. It is estimated that trees in large urban areas can reduce air temperatures by 5 degrees or more.

Planting Trees in North Dakota for Energy Savings Year-round

With a bit of planning, your North Dakota tree planting can help you to save money on energy costs all year long. The same tree, if proper selection and placement is made, can provide all of the energy saving benefits above. A good North Dakota landscaping tree plan with a variety of tree species and tree planting arrangements can offer the greatest energy saving benefits for the entire year. A few staggered rows of shrubs, medium sized trees and North Dakota grown evergreens can provide a wind break, as well as providing the late afternoon or early morning shade. Those same rows will provide a lot of cooling effect in the Summer through transpiration. With the additional of a few well-placed shade trees, your North Dakota landscaping can provide you these energy cost saving tree planting techniques all year long. And of course, they will look great while doing it.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on the energy cost saving benefits of North Dakota trees interesting and helpful.

Helping you Grow, Row by Row

To see a few of our services offered: Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

To see some of the trees we have available: Trees (treerows4u.com)

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you:
Tree Rows 4 U

Scotch Pine (Pinus Sylvestris)

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:34:33 GMT

Scotch Pine (Pinus Sylvestris)

February 22, 2023

One of the most overlooked conifers for North Dakota is the Scotch Pine.

When you think of evergreens for North Dakota you probably think of the Colorado Spruce or the Ponderosa Pine. You may also think of the Black Hills Spruce or the Rocky Mountain Juniper. Maybe you know of some particular cultivars of one of these that you really like.

One that you may not be familiar with is the Scotch Pine (Pinus Sylvestris). This conifer is native to northern Europe and Russia, and seed selections from those areas are of the hardiest. This species has been grown in North Dakota for quite a few decades in both state and private farms and nurseries with great success. It has been found to be one of the fastest growing conifers for North Dakota. If not THE fastest growing evergreen for North Dakota.

This tree has a very dense pyramidal form when they are younger, becoming flatter or round topped and more open when mature. This makes them a great selection for fast growing North Dakota evergreen with great form, that will provide a great wind block or shade tree in its maturity.

These pines have a shorter, and somewhat softer needle than a Ponderosa Pine. Much more dense form when young and keep a bit denser through maturity. Needles 1.5-3.5" long that persist for 3-5 years. They also have a bark that has an interesting orange-brown color and peels on older, larger branches. This peeling orange-brown bark adds a lot of character and interest to the tree. Showing these traits more as they mature and open up some.

Scotch Pine prefer similar soil to what other North Dakota Pine trees like Ponderosa or Limber Pine prefer. pH in the range of 5.0-7.5, hardy to USDA hardiness zone 3. They do not tolerate flooding (normal Spring melt off is fine, so long as it does not persist after the ground has thawed out and growing season starts). They prefer a well-drained loam but are not very drought tolerant. So, if you are looking for a fast-growing North Dakota evergreen tree, have good well-drained loam soil, and are able to make sure they get adequate water in times of drought, this may be the tree for you.

Scotch Pine have had great success in North Dakota tree planting both in bare root or larger container or B&B plantings. Bare root is a great choice if you have a large quantity to plant, and are patient enough to wait 15-20 years for them to grow to 10-15 foot tall trees. If you need to have something larger in size as soon as they are planted, North Dakota grown Scotch pine can be found in containers or balled in burlap (B&B) from under 3' up to 8'+ trees. Remember that evergreen trees larger than 3' can get heavy. A 5'+ B&B Scotch Pine will weigh 300-350 pounds, and an 8'+ B&B Scotch Pine will be 850-1000 pounds. Sizes up to 5'+ can be found in Wooden Baskets that are a bit easier to handle at around 200-250 pounds. If you are concerned bout the weight and being able to move them nurseries and landscapers are often equipped with machinery that can handle transport, loading, and planting of these larger sized heavier trees.

Thank you for reading, and I hope that you have found this information on the Scotch Pine interesting and helpful.

Helping you Grow, Row by Row

If you are interested in Scotch Pines for your Bismarck Tree Planting or North Dakota Landscaping project, we have North Dakota Grown Scotch Pine trees available in small bare root size. We also have them available in 3'+ Wooden Baskets, 4'+ WB, 5'+ WB, 5'+ B&B, 7'+ B&B. Along with many other tree species for North Dakota available for your Spring tree planting.

To contact us to order trees or to inquire about having us plant trees for you:
Tree Rows 4 U

Fast Growing Trees for North Dakota

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:13:57 GMT

Fast Growing Trees for North Dakota

February 20, 2024

If you are searching for the fastest growing trees in North Dakota, then you are in the right place. We will discuss here all fast growing trees for North Dakota, specifically fast growing trees for Bismarck, big North Dakota landscape trees, and growth rates for popular North Dakota trees.

The trees in the above photo are only about 5 years old at the time of the photo and were planted as small bare root sticks. They were about 3' tall whips when they went into the ground and are about 25-30 feet tall in the photo. Now, at 8 years old, the tallest of them is near 50 feet tall, and will likely add another 6 or 8 feet this coming growing season. These trees are a hybrid poplar variety called Prairie Sky Poplar.

There are not a lot of varieties of fast-growing trees for North Dakota. There are not a lot of varieties of trees for North Dakota, and there are just not a lot of trees in North Dakota at all. About 2% of North Dakota is considered "forested land" some of this is naturally occurring stands of native trees or forests, and some of that is conservation plantings, or other man-made stands of trees. North Dakota can be a challenging place to grow trees. We have very long and cold winters, so they must be cold hardy. This is not too difficult to work around just using the cold hardiness maps and cold hardiness ratings for whatever trees you are looking at. We have an article on that subject here: North Dakota Tree and Plant Hardiness Zones (treerows4u.com) Cold is not the only concern for North Dakota Trees, as cold as our winters are, our summers can be equally as brutal. Though there are not heat tolerance ratings or heat tolerance maps we can use the decades (or centuries) of experience and research from our North Dakota Forestry Service, North Dakota Tree Growers, North Dakota Tree Farms, North Dakota Nurseries, and NDSU Agriculture Department Forestry Research to help select the best species of trees for North Dakota. The next factor we must consider when selecting Fast-Growing tree species for North Dakota is drought tolerance. That is right, along with extreme cold and heat our North Dakota Hardy Trees must also tolerate drought. Luckily Tree Rows 4 U has decades of experience in selecting, planting and growing trees in North Dakota. We have done the research, gone through the pains of experience, and utilize our available resources to come up with inventories of trees that are the best suited for all of your North Dakota Landscaping Tree needs.

Not every tree that we have available for sale would be considered a Fast-Growing Tree for North Dakota, but they are all good choices for North Dakota Landscape Tree planting. Some of the fastest growing trees we have available are Hybrid Poplar, Siouxland (seedless) Cottonwood, Native Cottonwood, Silver Maple, Autumn Blaze Maple, Sienna Glen Maple, Quaking Aspen, Accolade Elm (Dutch Elm Disease Resistant), Northern Acclaim Honeylocust, or Skyline Honeylocust. These shade trees will grow anywhere from 6 to 10 feet on favorable sites once established. They can perform even better with supplemental water from an installed drip irrigation system. The most favorable sites for most of these trees will be moist, well drained loams, with good water availability and pH levels near a 7.0 or neutral level. You may have noticed that these are all deciduous trees, or shade trees that will lose their leaves seasonally. This is true, that the fastest growing trees for North Dakota are ALL going to be deciduous or leafy trees.

If you are looking specifically for fast growing evergreens for North Dakota, then there are a couple of pine varieties that will perform well on favorable sites, especially with an installed drip irrigation system. The Ponderosa Pine is native to western North Dakota and will perform well across most of North Dakota once established, though they do prefer to have moist, well drained sites with lower (more acidic) pH levels. They prefer pH levels below 6.5 but will tolerate pH as high as 7.5 or possibly even a little higher with other conditions being favorable. North Dakota Ponderosa Pine can grow 12 to 18 inches per year once established on favorable sites, with one of the largest factors being water availability, it can make an enormous difference having an installed drip irrigation system. If you have good soils, pH from 5.5 to 6.5, and moist well-drained loams, then the absolute best performer for Fast-Growing North Dakota Evergreens is the Scotch Pine. The Scotch Pine will also perform best with good water availability and benefit from drip irrigation. Once established, and with good water availability, you could see as much as 24 inches of growth per year with Scotch Pine on favorable sites in North Dakota.

Most Spruce Trees for North Dakota are not going to see as much growth. With North Dakota Colorado Spruce trees seeing about 10 to 15 inches of growth on favorable sites once established with good water availability, and Black Hills Spruce in North Dakota performing similarly if just a bit slower. Spruce also prefer a lower pH, and do not tolerate pH above 7.0 or 7.5 as well as pine. Most soils in North Dakota are higher in pH, or more alkaline, so site selection is key for Fast Growing Evergreens in North Dakota.

In conclusion, if you are looking for the fastest growing trees for North Dakota, then you need to talk to Tree Rows 4 U. You can call or email at 701-226-6098 or Service@TreeRows4U.com, or you can even request a free on-site consult to determine what Fast-Growing North Dakota Trees are best suited for your property conditions.

Growing Blueberries in North Dakota?

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 15:11:22 GMT

Growing Blueberries in North Dakota?

February 10, 2023

If you live in North Dakota, and love blueberries you may have attempted to grow blueberry bushes. Or maybe you have just done the research and have found that our region is not suited to blueberry bushes. Sadly, this is quite true. There are a number of challenges with growing blueberries in North Dakota. North Dakota has high alkalinity levels in much of our soil. We have near drought conditions almost every year. And if you have ever been through a winter here you know that it is just too darn cold.

But wait...

We have a solution for you! Introducing the Haskap or Honeyberry. These plants are a variety of Honeysuckle, with native species all over the far northern hemisphere.

Most varieties that can be found from nurseries are from varieties native to Siberia, Northeastern China, or Japan. The Borealis Haskap is a cultivar of both Russian and Japanese varieties. Researchers in Saskatchewan have grown this selection for its cold hardiness, and the fruit having a taste quite similar to blueberries. They are a bit sweeter. They are delicious eaten any way that you would enjoy blueberries. This is your chance to have "blueberries" in North Dakota, Straight off the branch into your favorite recipe or right into your mouth.

Another variety of Russian/Japanese hybrid is the Indigo Treat. These are even more cold hardy, stretching into zone 2. This variety has a sweet and tart taste that is delicious right off the branch, but even better in baked treats like muffins, scones or pies! If you live in North Dakota, enjoy making your own jams and jellies and love blueberries, this is a great variety of Haskap to grow. Your friends and neighbors will be begging you for your secrets!

The Polar Jewel Honeyberry is another variety with particularly good fruit for Wine, Jams, Jellies, Preserves, Pastries, and other baking. They are also a fine snack right off of the branch. The Polar Jewel prefers full sun, and has some deer resistance. This could be a particularly good variety to grow for an alternative to blueberries in rural North Dakota areas with open prairie when deer frequent your yard.

We have all of the varieties of Honeyberry featured above available for Spring planting. We can help you with your "North Dakota Blueberries".

If you would like to learn more about alternatives to Growing Blueberries in North Dakota, contact us at https://TreeRows4U.com/Contact-Us

Helping you Grow, Row by Row

If you would like to read more about Haskaps as an alternative to Blueberries in North Dakota, you can read here: A Better Blueberry — Yard & Garden Report (ndsu.edu)

North Dakota Tree and Plant Hardiness Zones

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:04:07 GMT

North Dakota Tree and Plant Hardiness Zones

January 31, 2023

Well, with the recent cold snap we have had you may be doubting that Spring is a mere 47 days away. It may be true that you won't be able to plant trees for another 4 to 6 weeks after that. We do have to wait a bit longer up here in the cold, baren North. You may be wondering how it is that a tree could survive in this cold at all. What kind of tree can I plant that can take this kind of harsh cold that is served up so readily here in these mid-Winter months?

The below map shows the cold hardiness zones as defined by the ASDA, and those are based on average annual minimum temperatures. This can be a helpful tool for finding the minimum cold hardiness that you should be looking for in a tree. There are other climate factors that must be considered though, and we will cover some of them in this article.

First, an explanation of what is shown on this map and what this data means for you.

USDA Cold Hardiness Zones

The USDA plant hardiness zones are zones in which the average annual minimum temperature falls into a specified range. The zones are divided into 10-degree ranges designated by a number, and further subdivided into an "a" and "b" designation to the cooler and warmer half of that zone range (5 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the minimum temperature that the shown area will experience on average in the winter months. There may be times when it is colder, and there may be times where those temperatures are not seen for a number of years. It is a guideline.

Any plant or tree that you plant should be rated for a hardiness equal to the zone in which you will be planting it at a minimum. There is usually also an upper number given on most plant hardiness rating. That number for the most part can be disregarded in North Dakota. As there are very few if any plants that would have an upper rating that would fall below our zones of 3 and 4. Before deciding on and purchasing any trees or plants, you will want to consult this map and find the hardiness zone in which your planting location falls. If you are in say, Bismarck tree planting, you can look at the map and find that it lands squarely in zone 4 subdivision "a", or Zone 4a. This means that the average annual minimum temperature for Bismarck, ND trees is somewhere around -30 to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that on the coldest day, at the coldest part on the night, each year, the temperature reading may fall to a minimum of -30 to -25 averaged over the years. This number is given as an absolute temperature meaning it is without windchill. Although wind can be a factor in plant survival, it is not necessary to calculate windchill for your cold hardiness ratings. A person planting trees in Bismarck, ND would be OK to plant a tree with a cold hardiness rating of 3-7 or 4-8 but would not want to attempt a tree with a hardiness rating of 5-8. The likelihood of the winter temperatures dropping below what the 5-8 plant could tolerate would be great, and they would risk losing their investment.

If you find yourself on or near the edge of a transition between zones, it is best practice to consider yourself in the lower (colder) of those zones. Lets say you live in Breien, ND. You may look and see that you appear to be surrounded by that light purple color designating zone 4a. If you notice there is a small patch of pink right there where Morton, Grant and Sioux counties meet. That pink denotes zone 3b. It appears that the average annual minimum temperature is just a bit colder in your area, and you may want to restrict yourself to trees rated as being hardy to zone 3 rating. This would give you just a little bit of added insurance that your plant selections will tolerate a cold snap that comes through your area in the following winters.

Other Climate Considerations

There are other factors to consider than the minimum temperature tolerance of a tree species. Not all plants with USDA hardiness ratings of 3 or 4 are appropriate for North Dakota. Some plants may be suitable for one part of North Dakota, but not in another even if they are in the same zone.

Average annual precipitation, soil composition, soil pH, soil water table, and grade or slope are also factors that must be considered when selecting tree species for planting. A Colorado Spruce and a Ponderosa Pine have a similar cold hardiness. Colorado a minimum zone 2 and Ponderosa a minimum zone 3 rating. Both would be appropriate in any cold hardiness zone as given by USDA ratings. Both of these species do require a bit of extra water storage to sustain their evergreen needles through the winter. Neither of them will tolerate flooding, but rather require a well-drained site. Either of them would be just as happy on level ground as the side of a mountain or hill (though probably not a sheer cliff). Both require full sun and should not be planted in the shady undergrowth.

There is however a bit of difference in the soil pH that these two species will tolerate. The Colorado Spruce and the Ponderosa Pine both prefer a slightly acidic soil. They will perform best all things considered in soil that is just slightly below the neutral pH rating of 7.0, say in a 6.5 soil pH. The Ponderosa though, is tolerant of a mildly alkaline soil site. With the upper limit being around an 8.0 pH, while the Colorado will tolerate only up to about 7.5. This can also be extrapolated from the data in the windbreak suitability group ratings of the Ponderosa. It will tolerate otherwise suitable soil ratings with a "K" or "C" designation. These soils are high in Potassium "K" or Calcium "C" respectively. The presence of Potassium or Calcium in these soils lends to a bit higher pH or a slightly alkaline soil.

While this 0.5 bit of difference may seem insignificant, it is important to note that the total range of soil pH tolerance of the Colorado Spruce is only 1.5, and this species' range covers nearly all of the middle portion of our nation. 0.5 is a significant difference when it comes to soil pH. If you are wondering on the attributes of the soil in your area, you can use this other map tool from the USDA Web Soil Survey - Home (usda.gov). If you would like help in reading soil data, or otherwise selecting suitable tree species for your planting we can help you. We use these maps and are familiar with local variances and which species will perform on otherwise unfavorable sites. We can offer recommendations on soil amendments and overcoming some of the obstacles of less than desirable North Dakota tree planting sites. We grow trees in Bismarck, ND, we grow trees in Northern North Dakota, and farms in Southwestern North Dakota. We work with North Dakota Conifer growers in Central and Northeastern North Dakota. We know North Dakota Trees. We know North Dakota soils. We know which North Dakota trees will grow in your North Dakota soil. We can help you select the best trees for your site, your wallet and your vision of a beautiful North Dakota landscape tree. We can even plant them for you! Tree Nursery, Landscape - Tree Rows 4 U - Bismarck, North Dakota

If you need additional information, assistance or are unsure of any of the steps of selecting the right trees for your site, contact us at https://TreeRows4U.com/Contact-Us. Thank you for reading.

Helping you Grow, Row by Row

Black Hills Spruce

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:56:40 GMT

Black Hills Spruce

January 17, 2023

Picea Gluaca Densata

Characteristics:

A variety of the White Spruce. Native to South Dakota. Large tree very dense and pyramidal when young.

The Black Hills Spruce is less drought tolerant than the Colorado Spruce, but better adapted to Western and Mid-Western US than its parent species the White Spruce.

Needles are shorter less sharp and denser than Colorado Spruce. Color is green with varying slight blueish gray. Seed cones are 1.5-2" in length with smooth rounded scales containing small, winged seeds.

Growth rate is slow to moderate at about 6-15" annual growth on average. Growing to a mature size of 30-60' in height and 15-25' in width. They make a great specimen tree, can be planted in groupings or rows. With mature size, growth rate and often being planted as seedlings or small container trees care must be taken in selecting an appropriate planting site. They may outgrow their site.

Why we like them:

Black Hills Spruce are one of our favorite trees for planting in North Dakota. They require little maintenance. They are more disease resistant than Colorado Spruce. The softer, less sharp needles make them more pleasant to the touch. They can be planted in so many arrangements and go well with so many other species and plantings. Their slightly smaller mature size than the Colorado makes them easier to fit into some yards where a Colorado may have been desired, while their growth rate is very nearly the same.

If you like the Black Hills Spruce, and would like to add some to your landscape browse our availability at Trees (treerows4u.com) Or contact us at: Tree Rows 4 U

Helping you Grow, Row by Row

COPPER CURLS® PEKIN LILAC

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:53:56 GMT

COPPER CURLS® PEKIN LILAC

January 16, 2023

Copper Curls Pekin Lilac

Syringa Reticulata SSP. Pekinensis 'SunDak'

This is one of our favorite trees for a front yard specimen.

The tree is small enough to find a home in almost any front yard. It has a very showy appearance. Spring white blossoms bring in the season, and the "copper curls" of the exfoliating bark add interest any time of year. It is also very tolerant, adapting to most growing conditions present in residential North Dakota neighborhoods.

This tree was also introduced by NDSU (along with Dr. Scott Redlin, Raleigh, NC). Which gives it a special place in our heart as a local variety.

The combination of very showy, unique appearance, tolerance of various environmental conditions, and low maintenance makes for a perfect specimen tree for your front yard.

It is hardy in USDA zones 3-7. Matures to a height of 25' in a rounded to upright habit with medium growth. The foliage is medium to dark green with a slight sheen in Summer and drops all foliage for Winter. The exfoliating (curling, peeling, flaking) orange bark and large clusters of tan seed capsules maintains interest in Winter. The tree is finer in texture and more open branches and leaves than Japanese Lilac Tree. Creamy white flowers bloom typically shortly after common lilac, extending the Spring vibes.

Copper Curls should be planted in full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soils and is pH adaptable. It is also tolerant of some polution, and will stand up to light browsing by deer. This makes it an incredibly resilient tree.

If you are interested in your own Copper Curls® Pekin Lilac please contact us at
Tree Rows 4 U

When Should I Trim/Prune My Trees?

Sat, 07 Jan 2023 14:49:11 GMT

When Should I Trim/Prune My Trees?

January 7, 2023

You have the trees you love planted on your property, and you have been loving watching them grow into beautiful natural habitat for your family and the newly attracted wildlife. Now you are wondering how you can start to shape them so they not only look great but stay healthy and grow as strong as they can. You know which branches to trim and where to place your cuts. You have your tools ready. BUT WAIT! Is this the right time?

If you are reading this shortly after its posting in January, you are in luck! You could probably go out right now and start trimming. Maybe today is too cold, or you are buried so deep in snow that you cannot get to your trees or accurately judge their height. Well, you have about 3-4 more months to find the time.

Most tree trimming should be done when they are in dormancy. There are exceptions, which I will cover later. If you are trimming to rid your trees and shrubs of unwanted branches, then you want them to be dormant. It also helps to protect the exposed cuts from pests. There aren't many insects out chomping on your trees in the winter here in ND. Trimming in dormancy also prevents the tree from sprouting out another branch right where you have just cut. Trimming an aggressive growing species during growing season can have unwanted consequences. The tree may then grow multiple branches in the place where you are trying to prevent growth. This also forces the tree into protection mode sucking much needed resources away from desired growth to protecting in jury.

For the most part, trimming in colder dormant months will not require any sort of treatment to be applied to the cuts. Since the cold has taken care of the pests and disease, and the tree is not actively growing.

You may wish to make small cuts to stimulate new or thicker growth in certain areas. This sort of trimming is best done just as the tree or shrub is entering active growth season. A trim at the end of a new bud can stimulate the tree to produce multiple buds in that place. Often used on Spruce trees or other conifers to encourage thicker habit.

Keep those tools clean and sharp.

If you have decided that you now need more trees call, email or book a consult here on our site. Tree Rows 4 U We can help you find just the right tree(s), provide them to you, plant them for you, and even help you get irrigation, weed barrier, mulch, stakes or other installations you may need to help them on their way.

Helping You Grow, Row by Row.

How to Plant Container (& B&B) Trees

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 14:42:01 GMT

How to Plant Container (& B&B) Trees

March 23, 2022

With Spring just around the corner in North Dakota, trees may be on your mind. Container and B&B trees are very popular for tree planting with homeowners and commercial property owners alike. They are grown in nurseries in containers to different sizes, and are then can be planted on your property at an already substantial size.

Container trees may be of just about any size from a 1 gallon trade size container to a very large balled in burlap (B&B) tree that can weigh in at over 450lbs and require specially equipped machinery to plant! Regardless of the size, there are some basic guidelines to follow when planting container trees. We will discuss a few of the key points here.

First and foremost is to select a site. If you don't have a site to plant, well then you cannot plant. There are many items to consider when selecting a site such as the volume of space available, other uses in the space, soil conditions, grade, water availability, and other plant life. Make sure that you do your homework to ensure the site you have selected will be appropriate not just today, but for the life of the tree.

After you have a site selected, you must then choose the tree. The tree should fit the space physically, but also compliment other existing plant life, structures and the airspace above. A Spruce tree may be only 2-3' when planted, but they can grow to be over 100' tall and live for hundreds of years. Be sure there are no utilities near and overhead. The tree should be a native species to the location or one that has been shown to be hardy for the soil and climate. Growing zones are a good start, but other needs for the tree like soil type and condition, water needs, sunlight, heat, drought are all considerations. The USDA and your local universities will usually have some very good resources for specific species and for your locale. Use these resources to aid in your selection of species.

After selecting a species you will have to decide on the size you would like to purchase the tree in. Not all trees will be available in all sizes. select the size that suits your desired beginning appearance, your budget, and your ability to move/handle/plant the tree. Do not choose an 8' tall B&B Colorado "Fat Albert" Spruce if you do not have heavy equipment to handle it with or are not going to hire a contractor/nursery to do the planting. The root balls of container trees are less susceptible to damage than bare root, but still must be handled with great care.

Once you have your site, you will need to prepare it for planting. Start by removing the vegetation in a circle about 3-4x the diameter of the tree container. Then dig a hole that is the same depth as the container and 3-4x the diameter. This is done to allow for proper root growth, water permeability and retainage.

To remove the tree from the container lay the tree on it's side. Then gently roll and tap around the outside of the container to loosen it from the soil/root ball. Do not yank the tree from the container as it may cause the tree to separate from the root ball. Check the root ball once out of the container. If the roots appear to have been constrained or are circling the outside, you may use a trowel or knife to cut an "X" on the bottom, and score the sides of the root ball to stimulate outward growth.

Gently handle and lift the tree from the root ball. Place the tree into the center of the hole. Check to see that the root collar or base of the tree is at or above the surrounding soil level. If needed gently lift the tree again from the root ball and add soil beneath to raise the tree to this level. Then level the tree in the same manner so that the trunk is straight upright.

Once the tree has been satisfactorily placed, begin to fill around the root ball with the loose soil from digging the hole. start at the base of the root ball, and tamp the soil as you go to eliminate air pockets and prevent the tree from settling later on. Fill to the surrounding grade, then make a water holding basin around the edges of the disturbed earth. Fill this area with mulch to a depth of 2-4 inches. Do not allow the mulch to remain in contact with the base of the tree. This can cause mildew and disease.

After mulching give the tree a deep soaking watering. watering slowly for a long period of time will allow the water to soak deep into the soil and wet every part of the soil around the root ball. The soil and mulch around the tree should be kept moist, but not soggy. Newly planted trees should be watered every week when rains are not sufficient to maintain moist soil.

Remove any tags or other materials from the tree. Stakes and straps may be needed to stabilize the tree from wind. Be sure that any strap used does not completely Wrap around any part of the tree. Rather it should contact and support the tree from one side, and additional straps may be added to stabilize from opposing directions. Tags or other materials wrapped around the trunk or branches may damage the tree as it grows or by scarring as they blow in the wind.

If you need additional information, assistance or are unsure of any of the steps of planting container or B&B trees contact us at https://TreeRows4U.com/Contact-Us. Thank you for reading.

Nursery Container Tree, Tree Pot Sizes, Large Pots for Trees

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

Nursery Container Tree, Tree Pot Sizes, Large Pots for Trees

March 15, 2022

How do I know what size container tree I am buying?

How do I compare large pots for trees from different nurseries or sources?

What are different gallon size tree containers?

How are these tree pot measurements taken?

Tree sizes can be confusing. Especially if you are trying to compare trees from different nurseries from brochures, written quotes or online. Sometimes it is not practical to go to a physical nursery or multiple nurseries to compare. If you are planning for Spring planting nurseries may not be open, may not have stock accessible or may not have a physical store front.

These examples and descriptions should help to take some of the confusion and anxiety away, and allow you to understand and compare trees from different sources.

Nursery Trees can be found in 3 basic "forms": Bare Root, Container, or Balled in Burlap (B&B)

For this article we will focus on the container forms. Later articles will discuss the others, but this is one of the most common forms and can be one of the most confusing for sizes.

Container trees are just as they sound. Trees that are grown and sold in nursery containers to be removed from the containers and planted in the ground. They are commonly used by homeowners and landscapers in both residential and commercial planting. They are grown to a certain size, and then when planted give an immediate presence to the landscape. They are larger and more expensive than bare root, but have that advantage of instant tree appeal.

Typical container sizes are from 1 gallon standard up to 25 gallon standard containers, but can also be found in smaller and larger sizes. They may also be found in wooden baskets vs poly nursery containers. The "gallon standard" however does not actually give an accurate representation of the volume of the container. WHAT!? Yes, this is true. a 15 gallon standard nursery container or #15 nursery container does not actually have a volume of 15 gallons. The sizes came from the volume of loose potting soil that could be compacted into the containers when potting. Though this could be a wildly varying figure depending on the medium used, the moisture content of that medium, how "loose" it was before potting, and how greatly it is compacted. The containers DO follow a fairly universal standard though. The above diagram shows 5 of the most common container sizes for trees and the approximate measurements of each. Different manufacturers will vary to some degree, but most follow these numbers closely enough for all intents and purpose.

If you do some of the math from these measurements (and knowing the bottom diameters, as the sides are tapered), you will find that the approximate volumes of these sizes end up being around 0.7 gallons volume per "trade" gallon. Though again this can vary.

The illustration above does a very good job of showing a visual representation of what a buyer could expect from a particular trade size container. This will of course also vary on the species of tree, and even when they are purchased. A tree purchased in early Spring may be still dormant and show no foliage on the top side, while that same tree in mid summer may look even more full than what this illustration shows. If purchased in October that tree may again be dormant with no foliage, but the caliper of the tree and the root ball inside the pot may be outgrowing its container size.

Here in North Dakota trees are really best planted in Spring after the frost is out of the ground. They should be dormant or just coming out of dormancy. This will allow them to begin establishing roots immediately in their new home, while benefitting from milder temperatures and hopefully some Spring moisture. If you would like to get a jump start on establishing trees in your yard, visit us at Tree Rows 4 U . We offer free consults and quotes to help you get started on growing your trees.