CLARE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
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  • Home
    • Upcoming Events
  • Tree & Plant Sale
  • Gypsy Moth
    • Gypsy Moth News
    • Population Maps
    • FAQ'S
    • Gypsy Moth Identification & Life Cycle
    • Natural Enemies
    • Foray 48b Bacterial Insecticide
    • Landowner Management >
      • Gypsy Moth Traps
      • Removal Guide
    • Links For More Information
  • Soil Erosion
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Permit Fee Schedule
    • Permit Application
    • Best Management Practices >
      • Silt Fence
  • Forestry
    • Qualified Forest Program
    • Find a Professional
    • Oak Wilt
    • Forestry Project Referrals
  • About Us
    • FOIA
    • Programs >
      • Farm Bill Programs
      • MAEAP
    • Planting Instructions
    • Staff & Board Members
    • Board Meetings & Minutes
    • Our Partners
    • Donate
  • NRCS
Click on any of the titles below to view PDF forms, instructions and diagrams. 

Click here for SPACING INSTRUCTIONS!

 This is helpful to determine how many trees you would like to order based on use and type of trees.  
Picture

Tree Planting and Care

Congratulations in purchasing  trees at the Clare Conservation District annual spring tree sale! Proceeds help fund conservation district activities. Trees provide a lifetime of benefit by giving shade, food, wildlife habitat and many other services.  

Site Selection
Make sure that the tree is suited to the site that you want to plant. This is an important step in the trees life. Consider the mature size of your tree. Watch out for overhead and underground power lines, septic tanks or housing foundations. Make that spacing will be appropriate. Trees and shrubs prefer specific growing conditions, so make sure you plant in the best spot. Loosening the soil where you plan to plant will help the roots grow.

Storage
It is best to plant as soon as possible after receiving trees. Do not let roots dry out!! Store plants in cool, shady area, such as a garage or basement. If you cannot plant within a few days, you may "heel in" the trees. To do this, dig a trench in a cool, shady area. Lay the trees down on the uphill side and cover roots loosely with dirt. Thoroughly wet the soil to ensure the roots stay moist. If the trees are kept moist and planted promptly you may not need to soak the roots in water before planting. If you see that your tree or shrub's buds are beginning to swell or have broken open, this means it has broken dormancy. It should be planted immediately.

Watering
Watering may be necessary for the first few years until trees become established. This is especially important for trees on dry sites. Once planted, give the trees a good watering. Take care to avoid over watering since trees take up oxygen through their roots. Too much water is just as bad as not enough. Mulching around the base of the tree will help keep it cool and retain moisture in the summer. Planting trees that are adapted to your property will ensure that minimal care is needed.

Protection
It is very important to protect young trees from hungry animals! Even though you may be planting that Whitney crabapple for wildlife, a hungry deer won't wait to eat the apples.  Wire mesh cages can be placed around the tree to prevent browsing. For conifer seedlings, buds can be capped by stapling folded paper over the top bud (do not staple through the tree). Plastic tree protectors can also be purchased through the Clare Conservation District.

Species
CO Blue Spruce (picea pungens)
Norway Spruce (picea abies)
Light Preferences
Full Sun
Full Sun- Partial Sun
Soil Preferences
Sandy to moist
Moist soils, Does not like wet soils.
White Spruce (picea glauca)                                         Full Sun (may tolerate partial sun)                                Moderately to well drained
Douglas Fir (pseudotsuga menziesii)                             Full Sun ( may tolerate partial sun)                                Moist, well-drained
Eastern White Pine (pinus strobus)                                Full sun to partial shade                                           Well-drained soils, tolerates a variety of conditions
District Information
Located in the 2nd Floor
Clare County Courthouse
PO Box 356
225 W. Main Street 
​Harrison Michigan 48625


​Telephone: 989-539-6401


 ​OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
The conservation is a field office. Call to verify someone will be in the office.

​OFFICE STAFF
  Christiane Rathke -Interim Administrator
ClareCD@macd.org

Christiane Rathke-Soil Erosion Agent
christiane.rathke@macd.org
​
Toni Maize - Spongy Moth Coordinator
ClareGMCO@macd.org​​


Joe Nash - District Forester
​joe.nash@macd.org


​OUR MISSION
"To encourage the wise use
 of our natural resources through promotion and education."