Why Conifers Are Perfect for Cold Climates and Northern Landscapes

If youโ€™ve ever looked around in the middle of winter and felt like everything was bare and lifeless, youโ€™re not alone. But thatโ€™s also what makes conifers so valuable in northern landscapes. These evergreens hold their color, their shape, and their strength no matter how brutal the season gets. Whether you’re planting for aesthetics, wildlife… Read more »

How to Support Pollinators with Flowering Trees and Shrubs

Bees buzzing through blossoms, butterflies dancing from flower to flower, hummingbirds hovering with their wings beating in a blurโ€”pollinators bring life and movement to our landscapes. But beyond their beauty, these creatures are essential. They ensure plants reproduce, fruits ripen, and ecosystems stay balanced. Without them, our food supply and natural spaces would look very… Read more »

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 »

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 »

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 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 Best Shrubs for Privacy and Habitat in Large Landscapes

When you own a large propertyโ€”whether it’s a rural homestead, a conservation area, or a recreational retreatโ€”privacy and function often go hand in hand. Many property owners want to shield certain areas from view, control wind, reduce road noise, or simply define natural borders. But why settle for a plain fence or artificial barrier when… Read more »

Why Every Day Should Be Earth Day

Earth Day may be marked on the calendar once a year, but the need to care for our planet is ongoing. At Cold Stream Farm, we believe Earth Day is more than a celebration โ€” itโ€™s a mindset. Planting trees, restoring habitats, and building a healthier future for people and wildlife shouldnโ€™t be limited to… Read more »