Tree & Shrub Species Planted
The tree species planted are an important factor in the health of the ecosystem. The Friends of the Winooski plants native trees and shrubs, and focuses on planting species that are suitable to the specific area and type of soil.
What Affects health and surival?
Sadly, not all of the trees planted will survive. Many factors play into the overall health and survival of them. These include the health of the plants at the time they were planted. If a tree or shrub starts off diseased or unhealthy, it is less likely to thrive after planting. Another factor that plays a role in surival is the species suitablity for the site. Although FWR makes sure to plant species that are site and soil specific, some indivduals are more picky than others. Weather is another factor, if there is drought or excessive heat or sudden frost, this can damage the plants if they don't have time to fully root and adapt to their surroundings. Competition from other vegetation is a major factor we find at previously planted sites. Herbaceous vegetation can overcrowed and block out sunlight from the trees, so FWR often preforms maintence around tree plantings to make sure they recive enough light and room to grow. Finally, browsing from deer and other herbivores can reduce viablity. At some sites, wire cages are places around new plantings to reduce browsing.
Species Commonly Planted:
- American Elm
- Balsam poplar
- Basswood
- Black cherry
- Black willow
- Boxelder
- Buttonbush
- Chokecherry
- Eastern Cottonwood
- Elderberry
- Hackberry
- Nannyberry
- Paper Birch
- Northern Red Oak
- Quaking Aspen
- Red Osier Dogwood
- Red Maple
- Shrub Willow
- Silky Dogwood
- Silver Maple
- Speckled Alder
- Swamp White Oak
- Sycamore
- Tamarack
- White Pine
- Winterberry
- Witch-hazel
- Yellow Birch
Where do our trees & Shrubs come from?
Our trees and shrubs come from Intervale Conservation Nursery in Burlington, VT and Coldstream Farm in Michigan. We prefer to go through the Intervale Conservation Nursery given that they provide natives grown from locally harvested seeds, however species availability may be limited so at times we source trees from outside Vermont.