Strong winds. Harsh winters. Dry summers.
In Nebraska, the right trees don’t just add beauty; they provide protection, conserve soil, reduce energy costs and create lasting wildlife habitat for generations.
That’s why the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District Conservation Tree Program exists, to help landowners plant hardy, affordable trees that are built to thrive in our region.
2026 Spring Tree orders now open
Tree orders are now open for the 2026 spring planting season and will be accepted through March 30. Seedlings are delivered in mid-April, just in time for optimal spring planting.
The District offers high-quality, climate-adapted seedlings selected specifically for eastern Nebraska conditions. To ensure strong survivability, seedlings are stored under refrigeration prior to delivery and customers receive detailed instructions for proper site preparation, planting and care.
District design & planting services
For plantings of 150 trees or more, the District, in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), offers professional design and planting services.
Residents work directly with the District Forester to:
- Select the right species
- Determine proper spacing
- Design plantings for windbreaks, wildlife habitat or farmstead protection
Please note:
- Seedlings are ordered in bundles of 25
- Orders are accepted November through March 30
- Survival of seedlings is not guaranteed
Full payment is required prior to planting. For orders of 1,000 or more seedlings, a 10% down payment is required at the time of order.
Preparing for success
Proper site preparation is critical. Before planting, the District Forester will provide guidance on how to best prepare your site and care for your new trees.
For best results:
- Ground should be plowed or deep chiseled
- If in sod, plow or chisel in fall and disc in spring
- Weed control and watering during hot periods are essential
If sites are not prepared at planting time, seedlings will be left with the customer.
Replacement policy
The District may replace seedlings only if stock is found to be in poor condition prior to planting.
Replacement will not be made for:
- Flood or hail damage
- Mowing or equipment damage
- Planting in sod
- Poor ground preparation
- Lack of watering or weed control
- Herbicide damage
Financial assistance available
Landowners may qualify for:
- District/State Cost-Share through the District’s Land Treatment Program funded by the District and/or the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP)
- Federal Cost-Share through their local NRCS office funded by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Program costs are supported through seedling sales and local tax revenue collected by the District and the State of Nebraska.
Prefer to plant yourself?
Individual planting options are available:
- Seedlings are ordered in bundles of 25
- Acre Packages include 50 designated seedlings (5 species, 10 each)
- Orders accepted November – March 30
- Payment must accompany order
- Orders of 1,000 or more require 10% down at time of order
- Full payment is required before pickup or District planting
Plan now for spring
Whether you’re establishing a windbreak, enhancing wildlife habitat, or protecting your farmstead, now is the time to plan.
For more information, call (402) 362-6601 or visit upperbigblue.org/nrd-trees.
