It’s a person who gives thought to the future who will plant a tree today that they may never get to sit in the shade of.
For those with such foresight, the Tierra Blanca Soil and Water Conservation District in Deaf Smith County (TBSWCD) is now taking orders for windbreak, shade, ornamental, fruit and xeriscape trees and plants for landscapes and farms.
The tree program was developed to provide landowners with an affordable way to purchase trees and shrubs for conservation practices, such as windbreaks, shelter belts, living snow fences, and wildlife habitat. The tree program is on a first come, first serve basis.
The trees, available to all local residents in addition to farmers, will need to be ordered by March 4, according to Barbara Finely, TBSWCD clerk.
Pick up date for tree orders will be March 29 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the back parking lot of the NRCS building at 315 West Third in Hereford.
Order forms may be obtained, and orders placed by going to the district office at 315 West Third in Hereford, or by calling 806-364-0530, Ext. 3. Payment for tree seedlings must be included with the order and trees are not guaranteed.
There are variety of large tube trees (30 for $125) that include Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, Engelman spruce, Eastern red cedar, ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain Juniper.
Bare root shrubs are in quantities of 25 for $50 and include Caragana, Golden Current, New Mexico privet, Wax Current and Wood’s Rose.
There are also large tube shrubs at 30 for $125; Bare root tube of 25 trees for $60; and Evergreen species of 25 for $95.A wide variety of fruit trees in 5-gallon containers include apple, apricot, peach, pear, plum and nectarine for $50 each. Pecan tree in Choctaw, Desirable and Pawnee varieties are available in 6-gallon containers for $70 each.
Supplies for getting trees and shrubs established, including compost, mulch, potting soil and root stimulator may also be ordered.
Soil and water conservation districts such as the Tierra Blanca Soil and Water Conservation District, are designed to deliver a local program, based on local needs, that best conserves and promotes the wise and judicious use of renewable natural resources. In addition, they work to activate the efforts of public and private organizations and agencies into a united front to combat soil and water erosion and to enhance water quality and quantity in the state.