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 planning a landscaping project, one of the biggest decisions is how many plants to order and what size to choose. The answer depends on your goals, your space, and your budget. At Cold Stream Farm, we work with everyone from homeowners to contractors and conservation groups, helping them find the right balance between plant… 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 »
When youโre planning a landscaping, habitat restoration, or reforestation project, one of the most important choices youโll make is whether to plant bare root or container-grown trees and shrubs. Both options can thrive under the right conditions, but they offer different benefits depending on your project size, timing, and budget. At Cold Stream Farm, we… Read more »
Creating a thriving wildlife habitat takes more than just open land. The plants you choose shape the environment, determining which species of birds, mammals, and pollinators will make it their home. Trees and shrubs provide food, cover, and nesting opportunities, and when you want to build a habitat that grows strong for years to come,… 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 »
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 »
Planting bare root trees is one of the most rewarding ways to build a landscape thatโs both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re restoring a habitat, improving your propertyโs 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 »
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 »
If youโre already thinking ahead to fall plantingโgreat! 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 hereโs the thing: if you wait until fall… 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 »
