Seedling trees are great for windbreaks/snow fences, Christmas trees, wildlife habitat, visual screen, erosion control, noise barriers, or reforestation. So if you have at least 2 acres, have a need for trees, and would like to get them at a great cost consider the Seedling Tree Program.

As we complete our fall chores and get ready for that first big snowfall, it's hard to think about springtime tree planting. But, it's that time of year again! RCCD, in cooperation with the Colorado State Forest Service, sells bare root and potted seedling trees for conservation purposes; including wind breaks, visual screens, erosion control, and wildlife habitat improvements. This seedling tree program enables farmers, ranchers and rural landowners to obtain shrubs and trees at nominal cost. Landowners with a minimum of 2 acres of land are eligible to participate.

The State Forest nursery in Fort Collins grows more than 2 million seedlings each year and approximately 40 species are available through the RCCD seedling tree program. Several of the seedling trees available include: cotoneaster, caragana, current, chokcherry, sand cherry, golden willow, Colorado blue spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper, bristlecone pine and lodgepole pine. Choose from the numerous varieties of trees and shrubs to meet your application's specific needs.
Tree planting is a symbol of our faith in and hope for the future and planting, caring for and nurturing trees is a reminder of our long-term commitment to conservation. According to the State Forest, the following are 10 ways to use trees to benefit our environment and contribute to our community's conservation efforts:

1. 'Trees help control soil erosion. Plant windbreaks to slow the wind - roots hold the soil in place.
2. Create a snowfence using trees to control blowing/drifting snow, reducing fuel consumption and labor costs associated with snow removal.
3. Use wood products whenever possible instead of non-renewable resources. Then, plant trees to renew the resource you are using.
4. Trees help cleanse the air. They control air polluting gases through oxygenation and dilution.
5. Reduce noise by planting buffers.
6. Ask for paper instead of plastic sacks when shopping. Each spring, plant a tree to replace the paper.
7. Grow tree and shrub species which annually shed leaves on your home's south and west sides to cool your residence, reducing energy used for air conditioning, but allowing the sun's rays through in the winter saving home heating dollars. Evergreens planted on the north side block cold winter winds.
8. Provide wildlife habitat in urban and natural forests and in streamside areas.
9. Increase young people's environmental awareness and conservation action through environmental education programs.
10. Plant a tree to beautify Colorado!'

With the change of seasons, and as preparation for the long cold winter continues, it's time to start planning for our springtime tree planting. Order forms can be found at the Routt County Extension Office in the County Courthouse Annex on 6th street and at the RCCD office at 1475 Pine Grove Rd Ste 201A in Steamboat Springs. Seedlings generally arrive for pick up the first week in May and program participants will be informed of the exact pick up date, time, and location. NOTE: All trees must be picked up on the date and time specified!! If the trees are not picked up, the trees will be resold and your money returned. Do not leave them in the care of RCCD!

Please call us if you would like more information on the seedling tree program. 970-879-3225 x3.

Seedlings are ordered in bundles of 30 or 50 depending on species and size. Trees are available in bare root stock at a cost of $36.00 per 50 seedlings. Deciduous average 10"-30" top height and Conifer average 5"-12" top height. Regular potted trees are $48.00/30 and average 5"-12" in top height and are in 1 1/2"-2" square pots. Small potted trees are $28.20/30 and average 3"-6" in top height and 1" round tube pots. Prices quoted are for the 2007-2008 sale year and can change for the next sale year.

Seedling trees are NOT to be resold as a live plant. The seedlings are grown by the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Seedlings will be delived to the District around the begining of May. Seedlings must be picked up at the specified day and time. No exceptions. If you are not going to be available to pick up the trees on the specified day and time, please find someone who can do that for you. We will no longer be 'holding' trees for anyone. Any trees not picked up will immediately be resold and a refund check sent. Purchasers are notified by mail of the specific pick up day in May as soon as we know.

If you have questions or would like to be put on our mailing list, please contact Sarah at 970-879-3225 x 3.