About our tree program

The Beltrami SWCD carries approximately 40 species of low-cost trees and shrubs available each spring for  use in windbreaks, shelterbelts, wildlife habitat plantations or other conservation practices. Our Tree Order Form includes a variety of potentially high wildlife-value trees and shrubs. These are selected because they are non-invasive, have acclimated seed sources, well-established root systems, and provide suitable species opportunity for all soils/drainage applications. Hardwoods and shrubs are available in full bundles at a discounted price, and several tree care items are available. 

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  • Tree Descriptions
  • Tree Order Forms
  • Program History
  • Additional Tree Resources

Tree Descriptions: One page Adobe pdf summary with site preferences, lifespan, growth habits, wildlife value, and additional comments.

On-line tree descriptions with photos and additional details

Spring 2013 Tree Order Form (in Adobe pdf format)

The District has planted and/or sold more than 2 million trees during the life of their tree program.  These numbers do not include the trees ordered directly by the landowner by recommendation of the District.

1979 - 10,000
1980 - 35,000
1981 - 35,000
1982 - 50,000
1983 - 50,000
1984 - 50,000
1985 - 50,000
1986 - 43,000
1987 - 53,000

1988 - 60,000
1989 - 63,000
1990 - 49,000
1991 - 58,500
1992 - 55,500
1993 - 48,000
1994 - 62,000
1995 - 88,000
1996 - 65,000

1997 - 60,000
1998 - 60,000
1999 - 58,000
2000 - 58,000
2001 - 58,950
2002 – 100,390
2003 - 100,000
2004 - 80,000
2005 - 95,525

2006 - 92,150
2007 - 70,580
2008 - 82,705
2009 - 54,300
2010 - 49,742
2011 - 70,799
2012 - 23,150

Running Total: 2,036,731 Trees

Order forms are available in our office and on-line.  Our bulk order form mailing is included with our annual newsletter, generally sent out in mid-winter.  If you would like to be added to the newsletter mailing list, contact Kathy Ruzicka at kathy.ruzicka@co.beltrami.mn.us.

The SWCD's commercial refrigeration unit keeps the seedlings dormant at 38 to 42 degrees. We keep the roots covered and periodically misted to keep them moist. Every effort is made to assure our customers that the planting stock they receive is a fresh as when it left the nursery.

For more information about the district Tree Program, contact Kathy Ruzicka at kathy.ruzicka@co.beltrami.mn.us or call 218-333-4158.

Minnesota Tree Planting Handbook (opens Adobe pdf document from external site)

Tree Owner's Manual from the U.S. Forest Service (links to external site which provides background and a link to an Adobe pdf document)