Growing Green Futures in Minnesota

A tree is more than a tree. It’s shade on a hot day. It’s a job for a young person. It’s a greener, healthier tomorrow. This planting season, we celebrate the deep roots we’re growing together by following the life of a Tree Trust tree from cutting to canopy. At Tree Trust tree sales and planting events, we provide well-established trees that are often six to seven years old, rather than younger, more fragile seedlings. Many ask, “Where do our trees come from?” Follow along to learn more about the journey of a tree from its humble beginnings.

Photo courtesy of Wilson’s Nursery.

Tree Propagation

Every forest begins with a single seed. Growing trees from seeds is a labor of love, and a real challenge. That’s why many nurseries propagate new trees. Propagation is the careful process of taking cuttings from existing trees and nurturing them until they take root and grow into new trees. With skill, patience, and care, nurseries help trees take root and thrive across Minnesota. Tree Trust is grateful to all our nursery partners who help bring our mission to life, one tree at a time. We checked in with one of our vendors to document a Tree Trust tree at an early stage in its growing process inside a local propagation house.

Behind the Green 

The propagation house at Wilson’s Tree Nursery is filled with the earthy, resiny sweetness of new life. Hundreds of tiny evergreen cuttings hold the promise of future trees. “It’s here that the next generation of trees begins,” says Wilson’s horticulturist and writer Connie Ratzke. Every fall, hardwood evergreen cuttings are carefully clipped, labeled, and stored, waiting for their turn to take root. Preparing a cutting is an act of patience and care: “We strip the lower needles off each small branch, creating tiny wounds,” Connie explains. “Each injury becomes a potential root location. Dressed with rooting hormone and gently placed into a bed of high-porosity mix, these cuttings are given everything they need to grow into strong young trees.”

Innovation and Tradition

At Wilson’s, tradition and innovation work side by side. An “Electronic Leaf” watches over the young trees, misting them exactly when needed to keep the delicate balance of moisture just right. “The entire process is well dialed in,” shared Connie, “but the learning never stops. With each season, new frames are built, soils are adjusted, and better methods are found—because growing trees, like growing knowledge, is a lifelong journey. By next summer, the strongest cuttings will graduate to larger trays and, eventually, into two gallon pots. Some will move into the fields [to be planted] to continue maturing; others will be ready to find a forever home.”

Photo courtesy of Wilson’s Nursery.

Nursery to Neighborhood

After growing in tree nurseries for many years, Tree Trust trees arrive from our vendors on large delivery trucks. The trees we plant and distribute at our spring and fall tree sales are already well-established – typically around 6 to 8 feet tall – and ready for planting in the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota. Stay tuned to follow the journey of a Tree Trust tree as it is planted and begins to immediately benefit its new community.

Growing Greener Futures

Tree Trust’s Green Futures™ program is planting thousands of trees in communities and schools, bringing beauty, shade, cleaner air, and stormwater protection to the places we live and love. And the best part? Trees only become more valuable with time. Right now, you can help grow this impact even further!

Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar—up to $10,000—through May 31! Let’s grow a greener, healthier future together. Donate today!