It may not seem like it at times, but spring is just around the corner. Now is the time to purchase “Trees and Shrubs for Northern Great Plains Landscapes.” The publication is available through the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

“The publication contains many of the major species of trees and shrubs to consider for planting in the northern Great Plains,” says Dale Herman, horticulture professor in the NDSU Department of Plant Sciences. Herman and Vernon Quam, horticulture and forestry consultant, are the authors of the publication.

The book contains:

• Descriptions, environmental requirements and uses of 102 species of deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs
• Brief descriptions of more than 200 related species
• Brief descriptions and landscape characteristics of more than 350 cultivars
• Four full-color photos of each species discussed, including a specimen, leaves, fruit, bark, flowers, fall color, growth habit or other characteristics
• Quick reference guide to 26 different characteristics for each species
• Information on the benefits of trees, tree form, root systems, tree care, pest management, plant naming, hardiness zone and a glossary of terms

When planting trees and other plants, Herman says having a landscape plan in advance is critical.

“Unless a complete plan is developed for landscaping a residential landscape, numerous mistakes are apt to be made,” he says. “A good landscape plan involves a front, public (including foundation plantings and framing trees), service (probably including a garden) and private area (probably including a deck/patio). These areas can be delineated by utilizing key tree placements, smaller specimen trees and shrub borders, screens and hedging. Such planning also delineates where annual and perennial flowers and ground cover beds are to be located in a yard. Without planning, a property will often be landscaped with piecemeal plantings with little relationship to overall utility and aesthetic enhancement.”

Trees found in the book can be used for various purposes:

• Cut heating costs in winter and lower cooling costs in summer by proper placement.
• Trees (plus other landscaping) can increase property values from 7 percent to 20 percent.
• When properly sited, trees will frame the house.
• Trees add dimension and change of relief to the site.
• Trees are important to shade decks/patios and family active/passive recreation areas, including picnic tables.
• Trees can be used as specimen ornamentals for flowers, fruits, bark, form and fall color year-round display.
• Depending on the site, evergreen trees can be very effective for wind control throughout the year and to enhance aesthetics in winter landscapes.

Copies of the publication are available through county NDSU Extension Service offices for $23, which includes shipping and handling. Copies also are available through the NDSU Agriculture Communication Distribution Center’s publication Web site at http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs or by calling (701) 231-7882 or e-mail at dctr@ndsuext.nodak.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication