Why Winter Planting Can Set You Up for Spring Success

Most people think of spring as the start of planting season. The weather warms up, the soil softens, and everything begins to bloom. But if youโ€™re working with bare root trees or shrubs, waiting until spring might slow you down. In many cases, planting during winterโ€”when your trees are still dormantโ€”can give them a major… 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »