Introduction
Planting trees can be a rewarding experience. Trees improve the value of your land and the environment as a whole. They help conserve water, air and soil, and provide important food and cover for wildlife. Landscaping and windbreaks around homes and farmsteads can significantly reduce energy consumption and noise pollution. Trees also provide us with many products such as lumber, firewood and food.
The Missouri Department of Conservation operates a tree seedling nursery near Licking, Missouri. The nursery grows a variety of trees and shrubs suitable for reforestation, wildlife food and cover, erosion control, windbreaks and other environmental practices. These plants are one and two years old, and the size varies greatly depending on species.
This publication is a guide to many of the species grown at the state nursery. It contains descriptions and characteristics of each species to assist landowners in selecting the appropriate trees and shrubs for their conservation project. Experience of landowners and foresters has shown that the trees and shrubs listed are the best suited species for conservation practices in Missouri.
For Assistance
Missouri Department of Conservation foresters provide a variety of services to landowners interested in tree planting, forest land management, and wood products marketing. To obtain a list of MDC Foresters and the counties they serve, contact:
State ForesterMissouri Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180
(573) 751-4115
For More Information
There are many excellent reference books for those wanting to learn more about forestry, forest land management and tree identification. Your local library or bookstore should be able to find these books for you. In addition, the Missouri Department of Conservation and University of Missouri Extension Service have leaflets on various forest management topics. Contact the MDC Forester or University of Missouri Extension Center Office in your county for a complete list of publications available.
