RED PINE   (Pinus resinosa)  A moderate to fast growing native pine with (4"-6") long, flexible, dark green needles.  Attaining heights of 50 to 80 feet with a trunk 2 to 3 feet in diameter.  Prefers well drained sandy to sandy loam soils.  Resistant to a variety of insects and disease.  Most often planted for timber production and screens, but is also used as ornamental.  The wood is generally used for construction, millwork and pulpwood.

EASTERN WHITE PINE   (Pinus strobus)  A moderate to fast growing native pine with soft bluish-green 2 to 5 inch long needles.  Attaining heights of 80 to 120 feet with a trunk 2 to 3 feet in diameter.  Prefers rich, porous, moist to well-drained sandy soil.  Most often planted for timber production, borders and wildlife habitat.  The wood is generally used for construction, millwork and pulpwood.

JACK PINE   (Pinus banksiana)  A small to medium-sized tree, 70 to 80 feet high and 2 feet in diameter with short and stout, slightly twisted 1” needles.  Prefers well-drained loamy sand, but can maintain itself on very dry sandy or gravelly soil types.  A good choice for reforestation on difficult sites where other species won’t grow. Shade intolerant and fast growing.

COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE   (Picea pungens glauca)  This slow growing spruce reaches 80’ – 100’ with a 1’ – 2’ diameter trunk. It has silvery, blue-green needles 1” to 1 ½” long. Prefers rich, moist soils and is moderately shade tolerant. Threatened by the same pests as other spruce varieties. It can best ward off attacks when planted on good sites. Most often planted for wildlife cover, screens, windbreaks and Christmas trees.

NORWAY SPRUCE   (Picea abies)  A fast growing spruce imported from Europe.  Branches are covered with short 2"-1" dark green needles.  Attains heights of 60' to 90' with a trunk 1' to 3' on diameter.  Prefers moist clay to loam soils.  Damage from insects and diseases can be reduced by planting on proper sites at the proper density.  Most often planted for timber, pulpwood, windbreaks and wildlife.

WHITE SPRUCE    (Picea glauca)  A slow to moderate growing native spruce with short (1"), bluntly pointed needles.  Attaining heights of 90' to 100' with a trunk 1’ to 2' in diameter.  Prefers well-drained clay to clayey loam soils.  Tolerates heat, drought, shade and high water.  Proper site selection limits problems with spruce bud worm and wind desiccation.  Most often planted for timber production, windbreaks, wildlife and Christmas trees.  The wood is generally used for interior trim and furniture.

LINCOLN DOUGLAS FIR   (Pseudotsuga menziessii) Grows to a height of 25-60 feet with a crown  width of 15-25 feet.  It grows 12-24 inches per year.  Douglas Fir has very soft, dark green, medium length needles. It prefers moist, well drained soil and full sun.  However, it will grow in partial shade. Its main uses are for windbreaks and Christmas trees. It should not be planted next to blue spruce.  Do not use in frost prone areas.

WHITE CEDAR   (Thuja occidentalis)  An evergreen tree, which typically grows in cold, poorly drained swamps with moving water. Will not tolerate acidic soils as good as it does basic soils (pH 7 or above). Very shade tolerant, very slow growing and short lived. The white cedar is one of the most important winter foods for deer. Is very effective for hedges and windscreens once established.

EASTERN RED CEDAR   (Juniperus virginiana)  This native evergreen is an excellent choice for wildlife food and cover. The waxy, blue berries ripen in autumn and are favored by many birds. Individual trees of this species are either male or females, so some specimens will not have fruit. Red cedar will grow to heights of 40-50 feet with a spread of 8-20 feet. The Red Cedar tolerates drought and poor soils. Prefers full sun. Not generally browsed by deer. Wood is aromatic and used for cedar chests and closets.

AMERICAN LARCH - TAMARACK  (Larix laricina)  Our only native Larch in Michigan. A fast growing tree most often found in swampy areas or along lakeshores. The bluish-green 1” needles turn yellow and drop in autumn, leaving the tree bare for winter. Tamarack keeps its pyramidal shape and soft texture growing to heights of 40-80 feet. A good choice for damp sites that some other species don't do well.