County seeks to educate and encourage propagation of native trees
Jan. 30—It might seem a bit early to start thinking about yard work and landscaping, but the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District is preparing for warmer weather with its annual tree sale.
"We've done a tree sale for years, and this is the second year that I've carried it," CCSWCD Director Leah Walthery said. "I have really high hopes for it because it's all native trees. I picked our selection that was suitable for our area last year, and this year I picked (different) trees than last year, but complementary sets. We'll do that again next year so we have more diversity in the plantings around us."
Every species of tree sold at the tree sale is native to the local environment. The sale's options range from white oaks and sweetbay magnolia trees to Kentucky coffeetrees, northern bayberry trees, and black elderberry. The trees are sold bare-root and cost between $2 to $7 each, depending on their species and size. The trees range from six inches to three feet tall.
Walthery said the goal of the tree sale is to encourage Cass County residents to plant native trees and spread education and awareness. While some non-native trees look beautiful, they can wreak havoc on local ecosystems.
One example is the tree of heaven. The tree of heaven is native in China and Taiwan but was brought to the U.S. in the 1700s. The Nature Conservancy said the tree used to be fairly popular because it grows well in the U.S. However, the tree propagates quickly, displaces other native tree species, grows aggressive root systems that can harm sewers and foundations, and secretes a toxic chemical that kills other trees and plants.
The Nature Conservancy's website said invasive species like the tree of heaven, "... have directly contributed to the decline of 42% of the threatened and endangered species in the United States."
When invasive species completely take over an area, Walthery compared it to a dead zone. Even if the invasive species is completely removed and native species are planted in its place, it can still take years to repair the damage. She added that many times, homeowners do not even realize there are invasive species in their yards and are not aware of the damage being caused by those trees.
Walthery also emphasized that a diverse array of native trees is healthy and very important for the environment. That is why the CCSWD rotates the species of native trees offered in the sale each year.
"There are X amount of plants that are super duper valuable, like white oaks. They are a host to so many different things," she said. "I heard a landscaper say the other day that every landscape that goes in should include a locally native willow of some type because it's such an important pollen source for early pollinators. Certain plants are powerhouses, but there's a whole range of native plants that have very specific insects and animals, and those are often the ones that are in the most fragile situation."
While there are non-native species of trees that are not as invasive, Walthery said they do not typically benefit the environment like native species do. She used oak and ginkgo trees as an example. Ginkgo trees are not native to the U.S., but they do not cause significant harm to local environments and actually host five species of caterpillars. However, native oak trees host nearly 500 types of caterpillars.
"They're not getting any use out of that ginkgo," she said.
Walthery encouraged Cass County residents to consider planting native trees and to reach out to her with any questions about native or invasive species. She added that her office, the state district conservationist, and even online groups can help educate people about native plants and trees.
"I'm hoping that what we're doing at the district as we're getting out feet underneath us is to provide a platform for people to (connect)," Walthery said. "It's a major goal."
Tree order forms can be found https://tinyurl.com/2fcqw6fs or the CCSWD office at 906 W. Broadway St. Tree orders can be placed until March 3.