Trees shade and cool our homes, bring songbirds close by, and mark the changing seasons. Children can climb them or build a treehouse in their branches. For all of us, trees are a source of lumber, food, and countless products — and they beautify our communities and countryside.
But equally important, trees conserve energy, reduce soil erosion, clean the air we breathe, and help protect rivers and streams.
These layered benefits are why we team up with people like you who want to do their part in planting a greener future. For many of us, that starts in our own backyards. It’s why every purchase from our nursery also plants trees in forests in need. I hope you will use The Tree Book to plant more trees where you live.
Best Regards,
TREES FOR WILDLIFE TREES FOR WILDLIFE
The presence of wildlife can make a backyard or woodlot a special place for your family. As urban and suburban development displaces many birds and animals from their natural habitat, it becomes increasingly important to provide mini-sanctuaries that will attract wildlife to your home. The principles on these pages can help you do just that.
PROVIDE FOOD
Having a wide variety of trees with high food value is the single best way to increase your pleasure from viewing wildlife. Wildlife feeders should include:
SUMMER FRUIT
SEEDS
NUTS & ACORNS
FALL & WINTER FRUIT*
Cherries, Plums, Dogwoods
Birches, Firs, Hemlock, Maples, Spruces, Sweetgum
Butternut, Black Walnut, Chestnuts, Hazels, Hickories, Oaks, Pecans
*These are especially important to help wildlife through the worst part of the year and to save early-arriving summer birds that get caught in late-season snowstorms.
PROVIDE WATER
No matter what their individual food preferences may be, all birds and animals need a dependable source of water close by. This can be supplied in your yard by creating a small pool or birdbath in a protected place. Even a dripping tap will help.
PROVIDE COVER
Birds and small animals need concealed places for nesting and hiding, protected from predators.
FLOWERING TREES
PINK DOGWOOD
Cornus florida rubra
Abundant flowers grace the lovely bark of this low-branching tree. Red berries are attractive to birds. Prefers partial shade; acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Grows to 25', 25' spread. (zones 5 – 9)
Item# 1067 1½' – 2'
WHITE DOGWOOD
Cornus florida
A four-season beauty that provides white spring flowers, purple autumn leaves, and red winter berries for birds. Grows to 25', 25' spread in partial shade; moist, acidic, well-drained soil. (zones 5 – 9) Item# 1066 2' – 3'
EASTERN REDBUD
Cercis canadensis
Rosy pink flowers in spring. Red-purple leaves change to green, then to gold. Forms a graceful spreading crown. Prefers full sun, or partial shade in windy, dry areas. Grows 20' – 30'. (zones 4 – 9)
1072 3' – 4'
YOSHINO CHERRY
Prunus x yedoensis
Famous Cherry Blossom Festival tree with fragrant white-pink springtime flowers. Likes full sun, welldrained soil. Grows 40' – 50', 25' – 40' spread. (zones 5 – 8) Can’t ship to CA, CO, OR, WA.
1100 3' – 4'
FLOWERING TREES
SAUCER MAGNOLIA
Magnolia x soulangeana
Big, beautiful, fragrant, early spring blossoms are pinkish-purple outside and white inside. This fast grower likes moist, deep, acidic soil and full sun. Grows 20' – 30', 25' spread. (zones 4 – 9) Item# 1078 1½' – 2'
SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA
Magnolia grandiflora
Large, very fragrant flowers grace this broadleaf evergreen in late spring and early summer. Needs protection from winter winds and sun in northern areas. Grows 60' – 80', 40' spread. (zones 6 – 10) Item# 1079 3' – 4'
WASHINGTON HAWTHORN Crataegus phaenopyrum
White flowers in early June. Red-purple leaves turn dark green, then orange or scarlet in fall. Small, glossy, red fruits are a favorite for songbirds. Full sun. Grows 25' – 30'. (zones 4 – 8) Can’t ship to WA.
1074 2' – 3'
SHADBLOW SERVICEBERRY
Amelanchier canadensis
This tree delights with springtime flowers, red summer berries, and vibrant fall foliage. Grows 15' – 25' high with an equal spread (zones 4 – 8). Can’t ship to AZ, HI, OR, WA. Item# 3635 2'
TREES FOR WILDLIFE PLANTING BARE-ROOT
PREP FOR PLANTING
Remove packaging material, separate your trees, and carefully untangle the roots. The roots are covered with hydrating gel to prevent drying. Soak roots in water for three to six hours maximum before planting. Store in a bucket or bag, keeping the roots damp, for up to five days.
SCAN FOR FULL PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS.
SET YOUR TREE UP FOR SUCCESS
1
A few days before you dig, call 811 to avoid any underground lines.
3
Center your tree in the hole and adjust the depth so the root collar (where the uppermost roots grow out of the trunk) sits even with the ground.
5
Remove grass within 3 feet around the tree and add natural mulch about 2 to 4 inches deep. Keep mulch from touching the trunk.
8
WHERE TO PLANT
Consider how big your trees will grow. Avoid planting under or near overhead utility lines, and check for underground utilities, too.
PLANT AS SOON AS YOU CAN
It is best to plant bare-root trees immediately, in order to keep the fragile roots from drying out. If you can’t plant because of weather or soil conditions, store the trees in a cool place and keep the roots moist. It's safe to plant through the fall until the ground is fully frozen, even if there's snow.
4 2 6
Dig a hole as wide as the roots spread out.
Fill and firmly pack the hole until the soil is at ground level. Form a circular ridge out of soil about 3 feet from the base of the tree to keep water from running away.
Water generously every seven to 10 days during the first year. Keep soil moist, but not soggy.
SUGAR MAPLE
A landscape standout with iridescent yellow and burnt orange fall color. Tolerates shade; likes well-drained, moist, fertile soil. Avoid confined or salt-prone areas. Grows to 60' – 75', 45' spread. (zones 3 – 8)
Acer saccharum
RED MAPLE
Acer rubrum
Enjoy year-round color in your landscape. Green stems turn red in winter, new leaves are red-tinged turning to green. Fall color is deep red or yellow. Fast-growing to 40' –60', 40' spread. (zones 3 – 9)
1038 2' – 4'
JAPANESE RED MAPLE
Acer palmatum atropurpureum
A very elegant, versatile tree you can plant as a single specimen or in borders or groupings. Leaves are reddishpurple in spring and again in fall. Grows to 15' – 25', 20' spread. (zones 5 – 8)
1039 2' – 3'
SHADE AND ORNAMENTAL TREES
RED SUNSET
MAPLE
Acer rubrum
‘Franksred’
Red maple cultivar with brilliant, crimsonorange fall color; adapts well in full sun or partial shade where soil is acidic and moist. Medium to fast grower to 40' – 50', 35' – 40' spread. (zones 4 – 8)
Item# 5269 3' – 4'
$29.99
ROYAL PURPLE SMOKETREE
Cotinus coggygria
Small, multi-stemmed tree turns a smoky pink color in summer. Leaves turn yellowred-purple in fall. Excellent for a border or groupings. Grows in many types of soil. Grows 10' – 15'. (zones 5 – 8)
Item# 1033 2'
$24.99
NORTHERN RED OAK
Quercus rubra
Bristle-tipped, waxy leaves turn red in fall. Its tolerance of pollution and compacted soil makes it a good street tree. Grows up to 2' a year to 60' – 75', 45' spread. (zones 3 – 8) Can’t ship to CA, FL, LA, OR.
Item# 3439 3' – 4'
SCARLET OAK
Quercus coccinea
Fast-growing and tolerates a wide range of soils. Glossy green leaves turn scarlet in fall. Open, rounded crown provides light shade. Grows 60' – 80', 45' spread. (zones 4 – 9) Can’t ship to CA, FL, LA, OR.
3440 2' – 3'
SHADE AND ORNAMENTAL TREES
WHITE OAK
Quercus alba
Impressive, round-form oak suited for large areas. Leaves turn red in fall. Slower grower, prefers moist, welldrained soil and full sun. Grows to 50' – 80' height and spread. (zones 3 – 9) Can’t ship to CA, FL, LA, OR.
3434 2' – 4'
BUR OAK
Quercus macrocarpa
Adapts well to varied soil conditions and urban settings. Fringed acorns are favored by wildlife. Prefers full sun. A grand, long-lived tree. Grows to 70' – 80'. (zones 3 – 8) Can’t ship to CA, FL, LA, OR.
3436 3' – 4'
SHUMMARD OAK
Quercus shumardii
Fast-growing, droughttolerant oak with beautiful fall color. Ideal for urban settings. Prefers well-drained soil. Grows 40' – 60' height and spread. (zones 5 – 9) Can’t ship to CA, FL, LA, OR.
3637 3' – 4'
LIVE OAK
Quercus virginiana
Picturesque, broadleaf evergreen is magnificent in southern landscapes. Tolerates salt spray and almost any soil type. Grows to 40' – 80', 80' spread. (zones 7 – 10) Can’t ship to CA, LA, OR.
1198 1' – 3'
SHADE AND ORNAMENTAL TREES
NORTHERN CATALPA
Catalpa speciosa
Showy white flowers in late spring. Large, heart-shaped leaves and long bean-like pods. Handles wet, alkaline soils and hot, dry areas. Prefers sun or partial shade. Grows 40' – 60', 20' – 40' spread. (zones 4-8) Item# 1043 2' – 3'
AMERICAN BEECH
Fagus grandifolia
A formal, stately tree. Leaves turn from dark green to bronze in fall. Smooth bluish bark. Plant in well-drained, acidic soil. Prefers full sun. Grows 50' – 70' with a 40' spread. (zones 4 – 9)
1018 3' – 4'
HOW TO PRUNE YOUR TREES
How you prune your tree during its first few years will affect its shape, strength, and life span. Proper pruning will save you money and give you safer, healthier, easier-to-maintain, and more beautiful trees.
KEYS TO GOOD PRUNING
1 2 3
Prune early in the tree’s life so pruning wounds are small, but do not start until the third year or so. A new transplant relies on its leaves to establish new growth.
Identify the best leader branch (the main, upright stem extending from the trunk) and lateral branches (branches that extend to the side), and remove any defective parts before you begin pruning to form shape. Try to find and use lateral branches that form “10 o’clock” or “2 o’clock” angles with the trunk. Branches with such angles will have greater strength than those with sharper angles.
Keep your pruning tools sharp. One-hand pruning shears with curved blades work best on young trees.
PRUNE WITH AN EYE TO THE FUTURE
As you prune, remember that the branches do not move up the trunk as the tree grows. A branch 5 feet from the ground now will be 5 feet off the ground in 10 years — only thicker and longer than it is now. Try to visualize what a particular branch will look like later, and remove any branches that will cause an obvious problem. Prune shade trees as lightly as possible and only when there is a good reason to prune. Never remove more than onefourth of a tree’s crown in a season.
HOW TO MAKE A PRUNING CUT
Pruning Large Limbs:
Large, heavy limbs could tear loose during pruning, stripping bark and creating jagged edges that invite insects and disease. That won’t happen if you follow these steps.
B C
A
Cut part way through the branch from beneath.
Make a second cut on the top of the branch, several inches out from the first cut. This will allow the limb to fall and be safely removed.
Make a final cut next to the trunk, just outside the branch collar, with the lower edge farther away from the trunk than at the top.
Pruning Smaller Branches:
Double Leaders:
Select a single leader and protect it from competition. Remove co-dominant leaders that have crooks or other defects.
Watersprouts & Suckers:
Suckers and watersprouts are rapidly growing, weakly attached branches that can occur at the base or in the crown. Remove them as soon as possible.
FRUIT TREES
APPLE TREES
(3' – 4')
(3' – 4')
1 2 3 4 5 6
Can’t ship to CA or WA.
RED DELICIOUS America’s favorite red apple is tender, crisp, and juicy with a mild flavor for fresh eating. Excellent dessert apple. Pollinate with Yellow Delicious, Red Jonathan, or Early Harvest. Zones 5 – 8.
STANDARD #1104
SEMI-DWARF #1105
YELLOW DELICIOUS Large golden apple that ripens late. Fine, sweet flavor for eating, pies, sauce, and preserves. Pollinate with Red Delicious, Red Jonathan, or Early Harvest. Zones 5 – 8.
STANDARD #1107
SEMI-DWARF #1108
STAYMAN WINESAP
Large, red apple that ripens late in the season and can be stored well through winter. Tart, rich, wine-like flavor. Best for baking, cooking, or cider. Triploid, cannot pollinate other apple trees. Pollinate with Red or Yellow Delicious, Jonathan, or Early Harvest. Zones 5 – 8.
STANDARD #1110
SEMI-DWARF #1111
EARLY HARVEST Medium size, golden cooking apple with crisp, tender, creamy flesh, slightly tangy, acidic flavor. Pollinate with Lodi, Red Jonathan, or Red Delicious. Zones 3 – 8.
STANDARD #1116
SEMI-DWARF #1117
RED JONATHAN Medium to large red apple good for fresh eating and cooking. Fine, juicy flesh, sweet, tart flavor. Pollinate with Red or Yellow Delicious or Early Harvest. Zones 4 – 8.
STANDARD #1122
SEMI-DWARF #1123
FUJI Crisp, firm, juicy flesh with beautiful bright red skin. A favorite for fresh eating and cider making. Pollinate with Gala or Red Delicious. Zones 4 – 9.
SEMI-DWARF #9981
FRUIT TREES
PEAR TREES
Standard (3' – 4')
Can’t ship to CA or WA.
Regular Members
$24.99
$19.99
BARTLETT America’s favorite. Large fruit, sweet, smooth, juicy flesh with a touch of tartness. Good for fresh eating, canning, and preserves. Pollinate with a different European pear variety. Zones 5 – 7.
STANDARD #1139
KIEFFER A hardy pear with juicy, crisp, coarse textured flesh. Good for canning, baking, preserves, and honey. Heat-tolerant. Self-fertile, plant two trees to ensure pollination. Zones 4 – 9.
STANDARD #1143
AYERS The Ayers produces a sweet yellow pear and blooms with fragrant pink and white flowers in spring. Self-pollinates or pollinate with Bartlett pear. Zones 5 – 9.
STANDARD #9709
PLUM TREES
Standard (3' – 4') $24.99 $19.99 1 2 3 1 2
Can’t ship to AL, AR, CA, CO, ID, LA, MS, OR, SC, or WA. Spring shipping only.
Regular Members
DAMSON A hardy plum with dark blue fruit, golden-yellow flesh. Self-fertile. Zones 5 – 7.
STANDARD #1145
METHLEY Early blooming Japanese cultivar. Red-purple fruit with sweet, juicy, red flesh. Good for fresh eating and preserves. Self-fertile. Zones 5 – 9.
STANDARD #1147
PEACH TREES
Standard (3' – 4')
Can’t ship to AL, AR, CA, CO, ID, LA, MS, OR, SC, or WA. Spring shipping only.
Regular Members
$24.99
$19.99
BELLE OF GEORGIA
Large, creamy, white freestone peach. Firm, white, highly flavored flesh. Excellent for eating, desserts, and canning. Self-fertile. Zones 5 – 8.
STANDARD #1125
ELBERTA America’s most popular peach. Large, yellow, juicy freestone, ideal for eating, desserts, canning, and freezing. Self-fertile. Zones 5 – 9.
STANDARD #1127
HALE HAVEN This vigorous, hardy, productive, and dependable tree is noted for its high-yielding properties and exceptional fruit quality. Self-fertile. Zones 5 – 8.
STANDARD #1137
CHERRY TREES
Can’t ship to CA, CO, OR, or WA. Spring shipping only.
Regular Members
Standard (3' – 4') $29.99
1 2 3 1 2
BLACK TARTARIAN CHERRY
A great choice for home orchards. This species produces large, purplishblack fruit with a sweet, rich, full-bodied flavor that is great for fresh eating and preserves. Pollinate with a different sweet cherry variety. Zones 5 – 8.
STANDARD #1151
RAINIER The Rainier cherry tree is known for its fragrant white flowers in the mid-spring, and its large production of exceptionally sweet cherries. Pollinate with another Rainier or Bing cherry. Zones 5 – 9.
STANDARD #10021
PLANTING A HOME ORCHARD
A home fruit orchard can be a delight to the eye as well as the palate. Many standard varieties are also good shade trees. Most fruit trees can be just as lovely as flowering trees and large shrubs. They bloom too, and the fruit crop gives the color of a second blooming all summer.
SELF-FERTILE OR SELF-STERILE?
Fruit and nut-bearing trees are either self-fertile or self-sterile. Self-fertile trees (sometimes referred to as “self-pollinating”), still require insects or wind for pollination to occur. Self-fertile fruit and nut trees do not require the planting of another tree to produce (though it is highly recommended, particularly for self-fertile nut trees). Planting additional specimens of the same species nearby will ensure pollination and produce a larger and higher quality crop. Self-sterile trees require pollen from a different cultivar of the same species for fertilization to occur, known as cross-pollination. Without this cross-pollination, self-sterile varieties will not bear fruit. Check individual fruit tree descriptions for pollination information.
PLANTING YOUR TREES FOR BEST YIELDS
Plant fruit trees to allow sun and space for their mature size. Individual species’ space requirements and mature heights are listed in this table:
STANDARD TREES
NOTE: Self-fertile/self-sterile trees: Plant the compatible or identical cultivar within 100' for standard and within 50' for semi-dwarf fruit and nut trees.
HOW TO PRUNE FRUIT TREES
Properly pruning your fruit trees will help ensure high-quality fruit year after year. Please note: Don’t prune the short branches known as fruiting spurs. The spurs are the only places where fruit will grow (except for peaches, which fruit on wood that is a year old).
PRUNE FOR NATURAL GROWTH PATTERNS
Apples, pears, and sweet cherries are generally upright growing trees, and should be pruned to encourage vertical growth and a stronger central or main leader. The top portion of the main trunk is cut out after the tree begins to bear fruit.
Peaches, plums, and sour cherries are more spreading in their growth patterns. They may be pruned into what is called “open center” form, with a short main trunk and several large branches carrying most of the leaves and fruit away from the center of the tree.
At Planting: Remove injured root tissue and branches with narrow crotch angles that cross or rub or that are less than 6 inches from other branches.
1st Year: Pinch off all unwanted sprouts in the late spring. Encourage the main trunk to grow upward, with side branches only at wide angles.
2nd Year: Train main side branches to grow outward. Encourage a few upright branches that can serve as “scaffold” branches.
After: Keep the tree leader dominant, and retain two or three new lateral branches. Aim for balance between parts of the tree.
NUTS AND BERRIES
BLUECROP BLUEBERRY
Vaccinium
An all-purpose blueberry good for preserves, baking, and fresh eating. Produces big clusters of large, sweet, firm berries that ripen every July. Grows 4' – 6' tall. (zones 4 – 8) Can’t ship to GA, MI, OR, WA. SPRING SHIPPING ONLY.
Item# 6758 1-Year-Old
ARAPAHO BLACKBERRY
Rubus
Earliest ripening thornless blackberry. Self-supporting plant. Large, colorful, red and black berries. (zones 4 – 9) Can’t ship to CA, MI. SPRING SHIPPING ONLY. Item# 6759 1-Year-Old
HERITAGE EVERBEARING RASPBERRY
Rubus idaeus
Yields in July and heavier yield in September. Extra-sweet, juicy fruit is good fresh, canned, or frozen. Self-supporting, grows to 5' – 6' tall. (zones 3 – 9) SPRING SHIPPING ONLY.
PECAN SEEDLINGS
Carya illinoinensis
Makes a fine ornamental and nut tree. Needs moist, welldrained, loamy soil. Grows 70' – 100', 55' spread. (Plant two trees for pollination.) (zones 6 – 9) Can’t ship to CA, NM, TX.
1007 2' – 3'
AMERICAN HAZELNUT
Corylus americana
Sweet, nutritious, and easy to crack. This native shrub likes loamy soil and full sun or light shade. Grows 15' – 18', 12' spread. High wildlife value. (Plant two to ensure pollination.) (zones 4 – 9) Can’t ship to OR or WA.
3444 3' – 4'
SAVE ENERGY WITH TREES
HOW TO REDUCE SUMMER ELECTRIC BILLS WITH SHADE TREES
Shade trees can save you money! Scientists have shown that properly placed trees can reduce your summer electric bills by as much as 35%. They call it “Tree-Based Energy Conservation,” or a low-tech solution to a high-tech problem.
Plant windbreak conifer trees on the west and northwest to provide mid- to late-afternoon shade in most locations. In winter these windbreak trees protect your home from cold north winds.
Shade east and west windows with deciduous trees, but prune lower branches to prevent blocking the view. In winter, after leaf fall, warming sunlight comes through.
WHERE NOT TO PLANT
Plant shade trees over patios, driveways, and air conditioning units to cool areas around your home.
Research has found that trees planted within 15 feet on the north side of a house actually increase summer electricity use. This is because they trap heat. Trees planted on the north for windbreak purposes should be planted far enough away to prevent the trap effect.
TREES FOR SAVING ELECTRICITY
Tall-maturing, deciduous trees are generally recommended because they cast the largest shadows. Importantly, they also drop their leaves in winter when you want sun to help heat the house. Select trees that meet the requirements for “right tree in the right place” (see page 43). In addition, select trees with dense canopies.
OTHER WAYS TREES CAN HELP
Planting a tree or shrub to shade your air conditioning compressor can increase cooling efficiency as much as 10%. In northern climates, windbreaks planted between a house and the prevailing winter wind can significantly reduce cold north winds.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS
Home and business owners, municipal leaders, and utility company officials are taking notice of the benefits of planting trees to reduce summer electricity use. Over the past 30 years, Sacramento Municipal Utility District has helped plant approximately 450,000 trees in its area. These trees have helped to reduce the city’s electric consumption by more than 13 million kilowatts, saving customers more than $1.5 million.
FAST-GROWING TREES
QUAKING ASPEN
Populus tremuloides
Tolerant of many soils and climates, this fast grower naturally thrives in much of North America. Stunning fall colors. Smooth creamy bark. Plant in full sun. Grows 40' – 50', 25' spread. (zones 1 – 7) Item# 3113 2' – 3'
WEEPING WILLOW Salix babylonica
Graceful and refined, this tree is easily recognized by its open crown of ground-sweeping branches. Grows especially well near water. Reaches 30' – 40', 35' spread. (zones 6 – 8) Can’t ship to CT.
1025 3' – 4'
HYBRID POPLAR
Populus deltoides x Populus nigra
Usually planted for very fast shade, this tree grows up to 5'-8' per year. Silvery-green leaves. Plant back from sidewalks. Grows 40' – 50', 30' spread. (zones 3 – 9)
Can’t ship to CT.
Item# 1042 3' – 4' Regular $19.99 Members $14.99
PAPER BIRCH
Betula papyrifera
Smooth white bark provides beautiful year-round contrast. Leaves are brilliant yellow in fall. Does best in full sun with moist, well-drained acidic soils. Grows 50' – 70', 35' spread. (zones 2 – 7) Can’t ship to CT.
Item# 2889 2' – 4' Regular $19.99 Members $14.99
RIVER BIRCH
Betula nigra
Cinnamon-colored, exfoliating bark is spectacular in winter. Borer-resistant. Tolerant of both wet soils and dry summers. Avoid very alkaline soils. Grows 40' – 70', 50' spread. (zones 4 – 9)
Stately deciduous conifer adapts to wet or dry conditions. Does well in city conditions. Majestic orange-red color in fall. Prefers acidic soils. Grows 50' – 70', 25' spread. (zones 4 – 10)
Deep, glossy, starshaped leaves turn yellow, purple, and red in the fall. Leaves remain on trees late into the fall season. Grows 60' – 70', 45' spread. (zones 5 – 9)
PUSSY WILLOW
Salix caprea
Fast-growing tree with soft purplish catkins in spring. Strong, spreading, upright stems, and colorful autumn leaves. Likes pruning. Plant 6'-8' apart. Grows 15' –25' tall. 12' – 25' spread. (zones 4 – 8) Can’t ship to CT.
BLACK TUPELO (BLACK GUM)
Nyssa sylvatica
Dark green summer leaves turn spectacular orange, purple, and scarlet in fall. Birds love its blue-black fruit. Grows 30' – 50', 20' – 30' spread. Likes full sun, well-drained, acidic soils. (zones 4 – 9)
HOW TO PLANT A PRIVACY SCREEN
BENEFITS OF PLANTING A PRIVACY SCREEN
Privacy screens are basically tall hedges. These living fences provide a more pleasant outdoor living space and add value to your property by:
• Blocking the view of neighbors or traffic
• Hiding unsightly adjoining property
• Helping to reduce noise
• “Softening” and beautifying the environment
• Providing habitat for nesting birds and wildlife
PLANT FOR DIVERSITY
Privacy screens can be made by using a single species, but where space allows this is not necessarily the best practice. Planting multiple tree species will increase diversity and protect against loss from insect or disease attacks.
HOW TO DESIGN A PRIVACY SCREEN
You can find help designing and planting a privacy screen, from choosing the right species to tips on basic care at arborday.org/privacyscreen.
GREEN GIANT ARBORVITAE
Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’
Large, fast-growing evergreen with conical form and dense, rich, green foliage. Plant 5' – 6' apart for a fast screen or 10' – 15' apart as single specimens. Grows 50' – 60'. (zones 5 – 7) Item# 10651 ½' – 1' (3-Pack)
HEDGES, SHRUBS
NORTH PRIVET
Ligustrum x ibolium
America’s fastest-growing deciduous hedge grows up to 3' per year. Dense foliage shears easily. Adapts to any dry soil type. Full sun to partial shade. Plant 1' apart. Grows 8' – 12', 6' – 8' spread. (zones 4 – 8)
Item# 1' – 2'
GOLDEN GLOBE ARBORVITAE
Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Globe’
Globe-shaped arborvitae for use as a hedge, screen, foundation, or specimen plant. Golden yellow foliage. 2' – 3' height and spread. Plant 1½' – 3' apart for hedge. (zones 3 – 7)
GREEN VELVET BOXWOOD
Buxus sinica var. insularis x B. sempervirens ‘Green Velvet’ Hardy and compact with velvety, deep green foliage. Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions with year-round color. Great as a border, low hedge, single specimen, accent, or container plantings. Grows 2' – 4' in height with equal spread. Plant 1½' – 2' apart. (zones 4 – 9) Can’t ship to MI, PA, TN.
COMMON BOXWOOD
Buxus sempervirens
Large round shape. Deer-resistant. A versatile landscape shrub great as a single specimen or used in tall hedges and mass plantings. Grows 15' – 20'. Plant 1½' – 2' apart (zones 5 – 8). Can’t ship to MI, PA, TN.
FLOWERING HEDGES, SHRUBS
LILACS
Syringa
Available in eight varieties, lilacs are a classic garden favorite. Fragrant purple clusters attract butterflies and other pollinators in the spring. Well-suited for hedges, screens, and as individual landscape shrubs. Hardy and low-maintenance. Browse our full assortment at arborday.org/lilacs
BLUE HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’
Enormous clusters of exquisite blue flowers can grow 4" – 8" across. Great as a single flowering shrub or a hedge. Fast growth to 3' – 6' in height and spread. Full sun, acidic soil. (zones 6 – 9)
CRAPEMYRTLE
Lagerstroemia indica
Striking pink flowers, lovely bark, and attractive fall foliage make this fast grower a favorite landscape shrub. Very well-suited for southern and southwestern states. Often used in groupings, containers, and hedges. 15' – 25' high, 6 – 15' spread. Full sun. (zones 6 – 9) Item# 1' – 2'
PEE GEE HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’
Lovely flowering shrub can be pruned to serve as a small flowering tree. Huge, rounded panicles of lasting summerblooming white flowers. Partial shade, moist, well-drained soil. Grows 10' – 20'. (zones 3 – 8)
BEAUTYBERRY
Callicarpa americana
Pollinator-friendly. Bright magenta ornamental berry clusters in the autumn that are consumed by 40 bird species. Grows in most soils, full sun to partial shade. Grows 5' – 6' tall with some equal spread. (zones 5 – 10)
MOLLIS HYBRID AZALEAS
Rhododendron x obtusum
When azaleas are in bloom, neighborhoods come alive with spectacular clusters of flowers. These deciduous shrubs prefer partial shade, acidic soil, and grow 4' – 6'. (zones 5 – 8) Can’t ship to CA.
Orange Azalea #10629
Pink Azalea #10631
White Azalea #10630
Red Azalea #10645
PUT A WINDBREAK TO WORK
Windbreak trees protect valuable topsoil, increase crop yield, protect livestock, reduce odors, lower heating costs, control snow drifts, reduce noise, provide woody crops, add wildlife habitat, and provide more comfortable outdoor living space.
BASIC WINDBREAK GUIDELINES
Start simple. To create a windbreak to protect a typical suburban yard and home, consider a row of conifers such as white pine or Colorado blue spruce trees along the north and northwest boundaries of your yard. Then, add some smaller flowering trees in front of them for depth and variety.
AMERICAN ARBORVITAE
Thuja occidentalis
The tall, dense, pyramid shape makes it a natural choice for windbreaks. Very hardy, requiring almost no care when used as a screen. Single specimens can also soften house corners or accent doorways. Grows 40' – 60', 10' – 15' spread. Plant 3' apart for hedge. (zones 3 – 7)
Item# 10654 ½' – 1' (3-Pack)
EASTERN REDCEDAR
Juniperus virginiana
Dense pyramid shape ideal for windbreaks and screens. Birds love its berries. Medium green foliage. Likes full sun. Tolerant of most soils. Grows 40' – 50', 8' – 20' spread. (zones 2 – 9) Can’t ship to CA.
Item# 2590 2" x 4" pot
EVERGREENS
COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE
Picea pungens
Classic form and silvery, blue-green foliage make this evergreen one of the most popular. Prefers rich, moist soil and full sun. Plant as a specimen, windbreak, screen, or buffer strip. Grows 50' –75', 25' spread. (zones 2 – 7)
Item# 10632 1' – 2' (3-Pack)
Regular $24.99 Members $19.99
LEYLAND CYPRESS
x Cupressocyparis leylandii
Fast-growing evergreen with fine, soft-green needles that turn dark blue-green when mature. Grows to a dense, pyramidal outline. Full sun. Grows 60' – 70', 15' – 25' spread. (zones 6 – 10)
Item# 3116 1' – 1½'
Regular $14.99 Members $12.99
NORWAY SPRUCE
Picea abies
Fastest growing of the spruces. Develops strong graceful branches that are covered with dark green needles. Ideal windbreak tree. Grows 40' – 60', 25' – 30' spread. (zones 3 – 7)
Item# 10633 ½' – 1' (3-Pack) Regular $24.99 Members $19.99
DEODAR CEDAR
Cedrus deodara
An excellent evergreen with drooping tips and pendulous branches. Pyramidal form when young, wide-spreading when older, often reaching 70' high. 20' – 40' spread. (zones 7 – 9)
Item# 1200 1' plug
Regular $14.99
Members $12.99
WHITE PINE
Pinus strobus
A hardy, fast-growing tree. Clustered, soft, blue-green needles. Ideal for a screen or windbreak. Likes moist, well-drained soils. Grows to 80', 20' – 40' spread. (zones 3 – 8) Can’t ship to CA, ID, ME, MT, UT, WI.
Item# 10635 ½' – 1' (3-Pack)
DOUGLASFIR
Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca
A magnificent tree with pyramid form and a straight trunk. Good choice for windbreaks. Prefers sun or light shade. Grows 40' – 70', 20' spread in home landscapes. (zones 4 – 6) Item# 10638 ½' – 1' (3-Pack)
EVERGREENS
PLANTING EVERGREENS
Evergreens are planted in the same manner as deciduous trees, and do not need pruning at planting. Partial shade is recommended for the first year except for junipers and cedars. Give them plenty of water and promote growth by cultivating the soil during the first few years. A desired shape can be kept by pinching off new growth in the spring, cutting just ahead of a point where there is a dominant bud.
LOBLOLLY PINE
Pinus taeda
This fast-growing, drought-tolerant southern pine has dark green needles with red-brown cones. Tolerates many soils. 60' – 100', 25' – 35' spread. (zones 6 – 9) Can’t ship to CA, ID, ME, MT, UT, WI.
Item# 10647 ½' – 1' (3-Pack)
$24.99
$19.99
PONDEROSA PINE
Pinus ponderosa var. ponderosa
American native with dark green to yellowgreen needles. Moderate to rapid growth. Plant in well-drained soil, full sun. 60' – 100', 25' – 30' spread. (zones 3 – 7) Can’t ship to CA, ID, ME, MT, UT, WI.
Item# 10648 ½' – 1' (3-Pack)
TREE CARE BASICS
What you do to your tree in its first few years of life will affect its shape, strength, and even how long it will live. Throughout The Tree Book there are tips and techniques to help you get the most value out of your tree by making sure it will thrive. The keys to this are: (1) selecting the right tree for the area, (2) planting properly, (3) watering, (4) pruning properly and only as necessary, and (5) controlling insects and diseases.
To learn more about these basics, please visit arborday.org/treecare
WHEN SELECTING THE RIGHT TREE FOR THE SPACE, ASK YOURSELF:
• What is the main purpose for my tree?
• Is the tree’s hardiness zone rating suitable for my location?
• Is the planting site suitable for when the tree reaches its mature size? Are there obstacles like power lines and sidewalks?
• Does the tree need full sun or can it tolerate shade?
• Is the tree suitable for my soil?
To make your selection easy, we have created a free online tool to help you select the right tree for the right place. Please visit arborday.org/treewizard
TREE CARE PRODUCTS
TREEDIAPER®
This smart irrigation system keeps your trees watered all year with minimal effort. Simply install around your tree, cover with mulch, and provide an initial overnight soaking. Then enjoy maintenance-free watering for weeks, months, or longer.
18" size
PLANT KNIGHT 6-PACK
Provide extra protection for your plant, sapling, or tree with the Plant Knight. Sold in packages of six, these tree guards install in seconds and are made to stand up to the elements.
Newly planted trees face drying winds, wildlife damage, and competition from weeds and grass. Here are some products that can help get your trees off to a good start in the critical first years of life.
TREEBUDDY
15-gallon watering system slowly releases water from five days up to four weeks. Perfect for new trees.
Experts agree: slow deep watering on a regulated schedule is the best way to irrigate a new tree. The TreeBuddy has been field tested on more than 15,000 trees.
Item# 6713
Regular $24.99 Members $19.99
TUBEX TREE SHELTER
Tubex Tree Shelters provide an improved micro-climate for young trees to get off to a healthy, thriving start. And they protect tender young seedlings from hungry wildlife. White oak stakes included.
Item# 5598 2' (5 pack) Regular $34.99 Members $29.99
Item# 5599 4' (5 pack) Regular $49.99 Members $39.99
ROOTMAKER KNIT BAG
An invaluable item if you plan to plant your new trees in a garden area and then transplant them a season or two later. The knit fabric bags encourage fibrous root systems and make transplanting easy.
Find your hardiness zone using your zip code at arborday.org/zip.
HARDINESS ZONES
Suggested hardiness zones are indicated by each tree and other perennials. Suitable hardiness means a plant can be expected to grow in the zone’s temperature extremes. However, local variations such as moisture, soil, winds, and other conditions might affect the viability of individual plants.
GUARANTEE
Your order is guaranteed to arrive in a good, healthy condition, at a suitable time for planting. Each tree and plant is guaranteed to grow, or they will be replaced within six months of shipment. We are happy to provide a one-time refund or replacement per order under the following terms and conditions:
• Our trees and shrubs are living things. They need to be planted at the correct depth, watered, and cared for in a way that is favorable to the plant’s health, and protected from the elements and animals.
• We’re here to help; if you ever have questions, please feel free to email us.
• The Arbor Day Foundation unfortunately cannot fulfill any refund or replacement requests without the proper images or documentation that supports the claim.
PLANTING SEASONS & SHIPPING
Trees are sent via parcel shipping according to your local climate and this year’s weather. If your order contains a Spring Only item, your entire order will ship during the spring shipping window. Visit arborday.org/status for the most up-to-date order info.
SPRING SHIPPING FALL SHIPPING
SPRING SHIPPING
Our trees can be planted during a broad range of weeks — from when the frost first leaves the ground through late spring.
FALL SHIPPING
We have to wait for a couple of hard frosts so the trees go dormant and can be shipped safely. Trees can be planted until the ground is frozen solid.
Please note: tree prices and the dates at left are subject to change.
MEMBERSHIP To join the Arbor Day Foundation, and enjoy member pricing on your trees, enclose a contribution of at least $15 with your order.
CREDIT CARD ORDER Credit cards will be charged when an order is submitted and trees will arrive during the appropriate shipping season. The shipping dates are listed at left.
Member Number (Optional)
First Name (Print) Middle Initial Last Name
Street Address
City State Zip Code
Email address (We’ll let you know when your trees will ship.)
Phone Number
METHOD OF PAYMENT (CHECK ONE)
l Check (Payable to Arbor Day Foundation) l Credit Card
Card #
Expiration Date Amount $
If a Spring Only item is ordered, your entire order will ship during the
POTTED TREES
Your favorite trees may be available as a potted option. Find out more at arborday.org/pottedtrees.
SHOP TREES, TEES, AND MORE
If you are looking for other ways to plant trees outside of your own yard, visit arborday.org/shop, where we plant a tree in a forest in need for every product purchased. Find unique apparel, rainforest-friendly coffee, commemorative cards, and more.
