Early spring is an ideal planting season for trees and shrubs, giving them ample time to establish roots and grow strong as the year progresses. Planning is key to maximizing your order and ensuring that the trees and shrubs you choose thrive in their new environment. At Cold Stream Farm, we’re committed to helping you make smart choices for your property based on factors like soil, sunlight, and wildlife goals.
We encourage you to start planning your planting now in the Fall months for the Spring. We can help you pick out your trees and shrubs and set a date for when you want your order to be sent out.
Understand Your Soil Type
Soil types can vary widely, even within a single property, and different plants have specific needs when it comes to soil structure and nutrient levels.
- Clay Soil tends to hold water well but can be heavy and compacted. Trees like red maple, oak, and river birch are well-suited for clay soils due to their tolerance for wet conditions.
- Sandy Soil drains quickly and may not hold nutrients as effectively, so plants that prefer well-drained soil, like pines, junipers, and hackberries, will thrive in these conditions.
- Loam Soil is considered the ideal soil type for most plants, as it offers a balance of moisture retention and drainage. Many tree species, including sugar maple and dogwood, will flourish in loamy soil.
- Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Test your soil pH to ensure it matches the needs of your chosen plants. For example, blueberries thrive in acidic soil, while ash trees do well in more alkaline soil.
Cold Stream Farm’s experts can help you choose trees and shrubs based on your soil type. With our extensive inventory of species, we’re sure to have options that will suit your unique landscape.
Evaluate Sunlight Conditions
The amount of sunlight your property receives is another crucial factor in selecting the right plants. Some trees and shrubs require full sunlight to flourish, while others thrive in the shade or partial sunlight. Cold Stream Farm’s staff is here to help you assess your property’s sunlight exposure and recommend species that will best match these conditions, ensuring your new plants receive the optimal light levels they need to grow.
Define Your Wildlife Goals
If you’re looking to attract specific types of wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, or beneficial insects, choosing the right trees and shrubs is essential. Different plant species provide food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for various wildlife.
- Attracting Birds: Trees like serviceberry and eastern red cedar offer food and nesting sites for birds. Consider berry-producing shrubs like elderberry and viburnum, which attract a wide range of bird species.
- Supporting Pollinators: For those interested in aiding pollinators, select trees and shrubs that bloom during the spring and summer. Basswood trees and flowering dogwoods are excellent for bees, while butterfly bush and ninebark attract butterflies.
- Creating Wildlife Habitat: If you want to create a more comprehensive habitat, aim for diversity. Incorporate evergreen trees like eastern white pine for year-round cover, deciduous trees like oak for food, and shrubs like spicebush for both food and shelter.
By offering a wide selection of native plants, Cold Stream Farm can help you create a balanced, biodiverse habitat tailored to your specific wildlife goals. Our experts can provide insights into which species are best for attracting different types of wildlife, helping you design a landscape that’s not only beautiful but also environmentally beneficial.
Plan for Growth and Spacing
When ordering trees and shrubs, it’s essential to consider their mature size and how much space they’ll need to grow. Planning for adequate spacing will prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. Cold Stream Farm’s tree and shrub experts can help you calculate the right number of plants based on your available space, ensuring that each plant has room to thrive as it reaches maturity.
Order Early for the Best Selection
At Cold Stream Farm, spring is a popular season, and ordering ahead allows us to ensure the best selection and prioritize shipping times. Some species are highly sought after and may sell out quickly, so ordering in advance can help you secure the trees and shrubs you need to bring your landscape plans to life.
As you plan for the spring season, our team at Cold Stream Farm is ready to assist you every step of the way.
