Why Landowners Should Take Advantage of This

Most landowners don’t realize that counties offer affordable tree and prairie seed programs every year. These programs make it easy to purchase native trees, shrubs, and grasses at a fraction of retail prices—perfect for adding privacy, restoring natural habitat, or simply improving your property’s landscape.

I recently received the 2025 Washington County Tree & Prairie Seed Program order form, and I wanted to share how these programs work so you can take advantage of them in your area.

How It Works

Every year, counties partner with Natural Resources or Conservation Departments to offer low-cost native plants for landowners. The selection often includes:

• Evergreens – Balsam Fir, Red Pine, White Pine, White Spruce
• Hardwoods – Oak, Maple, Birch, Black Cherry, Hickory
• Shrubs – Depending on the year, species like Dogwood and Plum may be available
• Prairie Seed Mixes – Designed to restore native grasslands

Some programs also offer extras like rain barrels, bat houses, and compost bins. This year, Washington County has expanded its selection to include even more options.How to OrderEach program has its own deadlines and process, but in general:

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✅ Orders are due in late winter or early spring
✅ Trees are sold in bulk (e.g., bundles of 25)
✅ Prairie seed is sold by the acre or half-acre
✅ Pickup is scheduled for early spring at a county-designated location

For example, in Washington County, Wisconsin, orders are due by March 7th, and pickup will be in the spring.

‍Why Landowners Should Take Advantage of This

‍Instead of buying trees individually at retail prices, these programs let you:

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✔️ Save money by purchasing in bulk
✔️ Add privacy by planting tree lines
✔️ Support wildlife with native species
✔️ Restore natural habitat with prairie seed

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to improve your land, this is an option worth considering.

‍Why This Matters If You Plan to Sell

‍Properties with mature trees and restored prairie often sell faster and attract more interest from:

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🏡 Buyers looking for a private, wooded setting
🦌 Hunters and conservation buyers
🌿 Landowners who want a more natural propertyIf you’re thinking of selling in the future, planting now could increase your property’s appeal and value down the road.

‍Final Thoughts

‍If you own land, check to see if your county has a similar tree and prairie seed program. These programs offer an easy, affordable way to improve your property while supporting native plant restoration.

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