Catalog ready for Monroe Conservation District's spring tree sale

A free catalog to order seedling trees and shrubs from the Monroe Conservation District’s annual Spring Conservation Plants’ sale is available.

The catalog can be received by calling 734-241-8540 Ext. 5 to have one mailed, or persons can email conservation1137@gmail.com. They can also pick one up at the district office located at 1137 S. Telegraph Rd. Persons can drop off order forms with payment or use a secure drop box outside the office or mail it with the required deposit. Only cash or a check will be accepted, said Catherine Acerboni, district administrator.

Tree orders will be accepted until March 18. Orders can be picked up April 15-16 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, S. Custer (M-50) and Raisinville Rds. Inventory is limited so pre-orders are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Any remaining inventory will be sold during the order pickup dates. Customers who have ordered in the past should expect to receive their catalog by mail or through email by the end of January.

“We choose tree species native to Michigan the best we can based on availability from nurseries,” Acerboni said in an email. “We take into consideration the overall use of a tree and suitability to our local landscape. Trees and shrubs, especially native species that are planted in the right place to do a specific job, can have numerous benefits to the environment. Whether these trees are planted to form a windbreak to slow the vicious winter winds, establish a riparian forest buffer to filter stormwater runoff, or to add vital wildlife habitat to the landscape, you will find the varieties available in the spring catalog should offer an option that will be just what you need.”

An evergreen (conifer) tree will provide a natural barrier from the wind, dust and noise while providing habitat and food for various wildlife, she said.

“They are incredibly important as escape cover and winter shelter and serve as a summer nesting site for many species,” she said. “Flowering shrubs provide food through three seasons for wildlife, but also provide an aesthetic appeal to your yard in the winter. Shrubs can be added to your windbreak as well, adding a more natural look while providing additional food sources.”

The hardwood (deciduous) trees chosen have many uses, such as shade and nesting sites in the summer, food and magnificent colors in the fall and a place for birds to perch in the winter.

Persons can visit the district website at www.MonroeCD.org/products for details about species offered, including pictures. An order form can be downloaded directly from the products page.