If you want to attract more birds and small animals to your property, you do not need complicated habitat plans or professional landscaping. Two of the easiest and most natural methods are building brush piles and planting shelterbelts made from hardy shrubs. These simple features give wildlife the protection, food, and structure they rely on… Read more »
When youโre ready to plant trees or shrubs for your landscape or wildlife habitat, where you buy your plants makes a big difference. Many people start by browsing local garden centers or retail nurseries because theyโre familiar and easy to visit. However, when you need quality plants in larger quantities, buying from a wholesale nursery… Read more »
If you have ever planted trees or shrubs only to see them chewed down by deer, you know how frustrating it can be. While fencing may be an obvious solution, it is not always practical, especially on large properties or open landscapes. Fortunately, there are effective ways to reduce damage without relying on tall barriers…. Read more »
Bees buzzing through blossoms, butterflies dancing from flower to flower, hummingbirds hovering with their wings beating in a blurโpollinators 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 »
Wildfires are a natural part of many landscapes, but in recent years, theyโve 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 »
Thereโs something magical about the way autumn transforms the landscape. One day, the trees are still lush and green, and the next, theyโre bursting into a patchwork of red, gold, and orange. Every year, it feels like natureโs grand finale before winter sets in. And if the forecasts are right, 2025 could bring us one… Read more »
Not every property has perfect soilโand thatโs okay. Whether youโre 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 »
Restoring land back to healthโwhether itโs reforesting a once-logged property, rehabilitating riverbanks, or planting trees on open acreageโtakes thoughtful planning, local knowledge, and most importantly, the right tree species. At Cold Stream Farm, weโve worked with conservationists, landowners, farmers, and restoration professionals across the Midwest for decades. And weโve learned a thing, or two about… Read more »
A single tree can be a bustling ecosystem of its ownโoffering 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 »
When planning a new landscape or enhancing an existing one, choosing the right trees is one of the most important decisions youโll make. Trees set the tone for your outdoor spaceโproviding 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 »
When you own a large propertyโwhether it’s a rural homestead, a conservation area, or a recreational retreatโprivacy 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 »
Water is one of the most important elements in the life of any plant, and for trees and shrubs, it can make the difference between thriving and simply surviving. Whether youโre planting bare root trees or wildlife shrubs, getting the timing of your watering right is just as essential as choosing the right species for… Read more »
