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Reforestation Supplies

Listed below are several methods for protecting and caring for tree plantings.

Shelters

Shelters protect trees from animal browse and improve initial height growth by creating a "greenhouse" effect. They make seedlings easier to locate and protect the trees from herbicide damage. Tree shelters do not eliminate the need for vegetation control and they require annual maintenance. Netting should be placed on the top of shelters to prevent the accidental death of birds in search of nesting sites.

Shelters block a significant quantity of incoming light, so they should be used in full sun conditions. Tree shelters are used primarily with high value hardwoods and the cost may not be economically justified for many landowners. Other problems associated with the use of shelters include stem dieback and rodent nesting. After a few years, tree shelters may actually inhibit sapling growth, so shelters should be removed once terminal shoots have emerged from the shelter top and the sapling becomes rigid enough to stand on its own.

Mulches and vegetation mats

Mulches and vegetation mats are used to suppress weed growth, retain soil moisture and reduce erosion. Mulches can include bark, sawdust, straw, wood chips or other materials. Mulches must be applied to a depth adequate to suppress weed growth (i.e., 2-3 inches), but should not be heaped or mounded immediately next to the seedling.

Mulches are labor intensive to apply and can attract rodents seeking areas for nesting. Vegetation mats are typically made from plastics or natural fibers. They suppress weed growth while still allowing water infiltration. The primary disadvantage of mats is the high cost.

Root dips and gels

Root dips and gels are hydrating gels used to coat seedling roots prior to handling and planting operations. The primary purpose is to prevent drying of the seedling’s roots during the planting process.

Animal repellents

Animal repellents are used to deter browsing by whitetail deer and rabbits. Browsing, especially by deer, has been an increasing problem for landowners planting tree seedlings. Repellents are usually a liquid that is sprayed onto the tree seedlings. They repel pests by making the trees smell or taste bad. Repellents must be reapplied periodically to maintain their effectiveness.

Bud caps

Bud caps are pieces of paper or plastic mesh that are stapled over the terminal (top) bud to deter browsing during the winter months.

Places to purchase

For your reforestation supply needs, please refer to the following list of vendors.

Company Address Phone Fax Planting Bars Root Dips Weed Mats Tree Tubes Fencing Repellents Tree Shelters
Ben Meadows Company [exit DNR] PO Box 5277
Janesville, WI
53547
800-241-6401 800-628-2068
X
X
X
 
X
X
X
Cascade Forest Tree Nursery 21995 Fillmore Road
Cascade, IA
52033
563-852-3042 563-852-5004
X
X
X
 
 
 
X
Chief River Nursery [exit DNR] W8869 River Rd
Ojibwa, WI
54862
800-367-9254 866-226-5204
 
X
 
 
 
X
 
Critterfence [exit DNR] P.O. Box 220
Pleasant Valley, CT
06063
860-921-7900 860-238-3299
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
Dave Asche 24749 Highway 18
Farmersburg, IA
52047
563-536-2856  
X
X
X
 
X
X
X
David Ruffalo - bare root seedlings 3321 Polk St
Kansasville, WI
53139
262-914-1152  
X
X
X
 
X
X
X
Forestry Suppliers Inc [exit DNR] 205 West Rankin St
Jackson, MS
39284
800-647-5368 800-543-4203
X
X
X
 
X
X
X
Gempler’s [exit DNR] PO Box 44993
Madison, WI
53744
800-382-8473  
 
 
 
 
X
X
 
Golden Sands RCD [exit DNR] 1100 Main Street Suite 150
Stevens Point, WI
54481
715-343-6215 715-345-5358
 
 
X
 
 
X
X
Great Lakes Nursery [exit DNR] W2390 County Rd J
Gleason, WI
54435
888-733-3564 715-873-3416
X
X
 
 
 
X
X
GSI Geo Synthetics Inc [exit DNR] W239 N428 Pewaukee Rd
Waukesha, WI
53188
800-444-5523  
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
Itasca Greenhouse, Inc. [exit DNR] 26385 Blackwater Rd., PO Box 273
Cohasset, MN
55721
800-538 8733 218-328 9843
X
X
X
 
X
X
X
KF Evergreens [exit DNR] 9629 Camp Ave
Sparta, WI
54656
800-458-7275 715-597-3130
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
National Wild Turkey Federation PO Box 530
Edgefield, SC
29824
800-843-6983  
X
 
X
 
 
 
X
Non-Typical Food Plots [exit DNR] 633 Leonards Way
Argusville, ND
58005
   
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
PLANTRA [exit DNR] 2508 Northland Drive
Mendota Heights, MN
55120
800-951-3806 651-681-2067
 
 
X
 
 
X
X
Plantskydd [exit DNR]      
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
Southwest Badger RCD 150 W Alona Ln
Lancaster, WI
53813
608-723-6377  
 
 
X
 
 
X
X
Timber Management LLC 385 Northhaven Drive
Robins, IA
52328
319-573-0615  
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
Tree Pro [exit DNR] 3180 West 250 North
West Lafayette, IN
47906
800-875-8071  
 
X
X
 
 
 
X
Treessentials Co. 60 E. Plato Blvd., Ste. 130
St. Paul, MN
55107
800-248-8239 800-809-5818
 
 
X
 
 
X
X
Wayside Fencing [exit DNR] 63 Third Ave.
Bayshore, NY
11706
800-847-7789 631-968-6928
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
Wheeler's Laura's Lane Nursery [exit DNR] PO Box 232
Plainfield, WI
54966
715-366-2477 715-366-8202
X
X
 
 
 
X