The Role of Trees in Reducing Wildfire Fuel Loads

Wildfires are a natural part of many landscapes, but in recent years, theyโ€™ve been growing larger, spreading faster, and causing more damage than ever before. While weather and terrain play a role in how a fire behaves, one of the biggest factors is the amount of flammable vegetation in its path โ€” what fire experts… Read more »

Bringing Some Extra Color This Fall

Thereโ€™s something magical about the way autumn transforms the landscape. One day, the trees are still lush and green, and the next, theyโ€™re bursting into a patchwork of red, gold, and orange. Every year, it feels like natureโ€™s grand finale before winter sets in. And if the forecasts are right, 2025 could bring us one… Read more »

The Best Trees for Wet, Sandy, or Clay Soils: Match Plants to Your Land

Not every property has perfect soilโ€”and thatโ€™s okay. Whether youโ€™re dealing with soggy lowlands, dry and dusty sand, or stubborn heavy clay, there are still plenty of trees that can thrive with the right match. At Cold Stream Farm, we talk to landowners all the time who think their soil conditions are a dealbreaker. The… Read more »

Designing Low Maintenance Landscapes with Cold Hardy Shrubs

Landscaping in Michigan and the surrounding northern states comes with its own set of challengesโ€”long winters, sudden frosts, and wild temperature swings. But that doesnโ€™t mean your yard or property canโ€™t be beautiful year-round. You just need the right plants. Thatโ€™s where cold hardy shrubs come in. At Cold Stream Farm, we specialize in bare… Read more »

Transforming Open Land with Fast-Growing Bare Root Trees

If youโ€™ve got open land that feels a little too openโ€”bare, exposed, or lacking in purposeโ€”planting trees is one of the best ways to turn that blank space into something beautiful and functional. But if you donโ€™t want to wait decades for results, fast-growing bare root trees can be a game-changer. At Cold Stream Farm,… Read more »

How Trees and Shrubs Help Control Erosion on Sloped Land

If youโ€™ve ever dealt with erosion on sloped property, you know how frustratingโ€”and damagingโ€”it can be. Rain comes in, the water rushes downhill, and before long, you’re left with bare patches, washed-out soil, and even damage to nearby structures or water sources. The good news? You donโ€™t need expensive equipment or concrete walls to fix… Read more »

How to Care for Bare Root Trees in Their First Year

Planting bare root trees is one of the most rewarding ways to build a landscape thatโ€™s both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re restoring a habitat, improving your propertyโ€™s tree line, or simply trying something new in your backyard, those little leafless sticks you planted have a big job ahead of them. But their success depends… Read more »

Best Wholesale Trees for Reforestation and Land Restoration Projects

Restoring land back to healthโ€”whether itโ€™s reforesting a once-logged property, rehabilitating riverbanks, or planting trees on open acreageโ€”takes thoughtful planning, local knowledge, and most importantly, the right tree species. At Cold Stream Farm, weโ€™ve worked with conservationists, landowners, farmers, and restoration professionals across the Midwest for decades. And weโ€™ve learned a thing, or two about… Read more »

How to Prep Your Land in Summer for Fall Tree Planting

If youโ€™re already thinking ahead to fall plantingโ€”great! Fall is hands-down one of the best times to get trees and shrubs in the ground. Cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall help new plants get established before winter, setting them up for a strong start in spring. But hereโ€™s the thing: if you wait until fall… Read more »

How Trees Support Local Wildlife Throughout the Year

A single tree can be a bustling ecosystem of its ownโ€”offering food, shelter, nesting spots, and safe passage for wildlife of all kinds. Across every season, from the first spring bud to the last leaf drop before winter, trees quietly support countless creatures in ways that often go unnoticed. At Cold Stream Farm, we understand… Read more »

Evergreens vs Deciduous Trees: Which Is Right for Your Landscape?

When planning a new landscape or enhancing an existing one, choosing the right trees is one of the most important decisions youโ€™ll make. Trees set the tone for your outdoor spaceโ€”providing structure, shade, privacy, and seasonal beauty. At Cold Stream Farm, we offer a wide variety of evergreen and deciduous trees, and each type brings… Read more »

The Proper Way to Winterize Your Garden When the Time Comes

As autumn winds down and winter approaches, itโ€™s crucial to prepare your landscape for the colder months ahead. At Cold Stream Farm, we offer a wide selection of wildlife trees and shrubs suited for the Midwest and beyond. Whether youโ€™re cultivating a vibrant native habitat or establishing a new landscape with bare root trees, taking… Read more »