Seedling Tree Program

About our Program

The seedling tree program enables farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners to obtain seedling trees and shrubs at a nominal cost. These seedling trees and shrubs are selected specially for Colorado’s climate and are grown at the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery in Fort Collins, Colorado. The program’s aim is to encourage landowners to successfully establish conservation tree plantings. There is no minimum parcel size to purchase seedlings. The Douglas County Conservation District sells to landowners in Douglas County, Western Elbert County and Northern El Paso County. We are not able to ship any of these trees.

Each year beginning in October, landowners get the opportunity to purchase these seedlings during the Annual Plant Sale. They have until the end of March/April of the following year to order. The earlier you order, the more likely the plants you want will still be available. “First Come, First Served” The date for tree pickup is usually scheduled for 2nd week in April in Castle Rock, Colorado at the Douglas County Fairgrounds for all pre-ordered trees. The district hosts a Seedling Tree Workshop in January, the date is to be determined.

The species we offer all do well in Colorado. Many sell fast, so early ordering is important to ensure you’ll get exactly the trees and shrubs you want.

Term and Conditions of sale:

  1. There is no minimum acreage required to purchase seedling.
  2. No Plant purchased may be resold as a living plant.
  3. Bare Root trees are available in multiples of 25 per species only!
  4. Payment must accompany order. Refunds will not be given for cancelled orders.
  5. If trees ordered are not available a refund will be issued, unless a substitution is requested.

The program reaches a few surrounding states. If you want trees and you are not in Douglas County Conservation District in Colorado but you would like to pick up your trees in Castle Rock, CO then you can order them from us. If you are out of the area and want to find the closest distribution location for you then you can contact the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery at 970-491-8429 to see if they can help you contact other cooperators of the program in your county for ordering.

Why are trees a good idea?
  • Trees cut soil erosion:
    Rows of trees break up the wind on flatter lands and healthy forests protect soil from water erosion.
  • Trees improve air and water quality:
    A forest floor of leaves and decaying wood acts as a giant sponge by absorbing, filtering, and holding water; one acre of trees provide oxygen for seven people and will clean the air polluted by eight cars operated for 12 hours.
  • Trees increase income:
    Properly managed trees can provide excellent sources of income, such as the sale of trees or wood products.
  • Trees save energy:
    Recent studies show windbreaks can reduce winter fuel consumption by 10 to 30 percent. Trees also save energy by shading – one tree has the cooling effect of five air conditioners.
  • Trees protect livestock:
    Trees reduce the wind and can significantly reduce animal stress. Livestock not only need less feed, but their gains are higher. Shade provided by trees is also helpful to animals on very hot summer days.
  • Trees act as a sound barrier:
    Trees and windbreaks reduce noise from high-speed traffic and other sounds. Plant leaves, branches, and twigs all absorb sounds of different frequencies.
  • Trees are home for wildlife:
    Wooded areas make valuable cover, nesting, and breeding areas for upland game and songbirds. In winter, when all other food is blanketed with snow, seeds and fruits of trees and shrubs provide food for nonmigratory species.
  • Trees are a living snow fence:
    In snow country, properly locating a living fence of trees and shrubs parallel to your driveway or highway helps hold snow on the fields and off the roads.
  • Trees improve crop yields:
    Soil particles blown by strong winds frequently damage small crops. Yields also may be lowered by the effects of hot winds. Trees protect against these hazards.
  • Trees beautify the countryside:
    Well-kept wooded areas, windbreaks, and other tree plantings undeniably enhance the aesthetic value of individual farms and the countryside.