Lincoln-area landowners can reserve low-cost tree and shrub seedlings now for pickup next spring through Lower Platte South Natural Resources District. Orders opened Nov. 1, and landowners are encouraged to order early because some species can sell out before the March 15, 2027, deadline.
The district sells seedlings in bundles of 25, with a minimum order of 25. Orders of 25 to 75 seedlings cost $1.20 per plant, or $30 per bundle, plus sales tax. lpsnrd.org
Scott Theis, operations supervisor with Lower Big Blue NRD in Beatrice, tells KLIN News that planning ahead matters even when planting season feels far away. Each NRD sets its own prices and services, but Theis says landowners should begin thinking about their tree needs during the fall and winter. “When the weather turns nice, it’s usually almost too late,” Theis said. “Everybody’s about done taking orders.”
Conservation trees can provide wind protection, wildlife habitat and other benefits. Theis says windbreaks typically consist of one or more rows of trees around a property, with a mix of taller trees, evergreens and shrubs helping slow the wind and manage drifting snow. “You would be surprised how much a windbreak saves you like on energy costs in your yard,” Theis said.
Landowners can also prepare planting sites before winter. Theis recommends considering where trees will go and preparing the ground in the fall, which can make spring planting easier. Once seedlings are planted, he says keeping them watered is essential while their roots become established. “The biggest thing with trees after we plant them in the spring is water,” Theis said. “Some people try to plant too many trees and then they can’t take care of them and then we lose them.”
Lower Platte South’s offerings include trees such as bur oak, hackberry, redbud, spruce and pine, along with shrubs including elderberry, lilac and serviceberry. The district does not provide planting services through its conservation seedling program.
Orders and payment are due March 15, 2027. Seedlings will be available for pickup in April at the Lower Platte South NRD office, 3125 Portia St. in Lincoln, and customers will be notified when their orders are ready. www.lpsnrd.org
Landowners can browse available species and place orders at LPSNRD.org/order-trees. For more information, call Lower Platte South NRD at 402-476-2729.