Forestry

Northwood is proud to have been named a Tree City USA community for twenty-one consecutive years. We have a Dutch Elm replacement program and have annual plantings and projects. The USDA – Forest Service in Cooperation with the North Dakota Forest Service, jointly funds many of these projects through assistance grants. We have just completed a tree inventory of street and park trees and create maps showing the locations of the trees.  This information will be used for maintenance to keep our trees at their best. 

Northwood held a tree care workshop on January 24^th at the Community Center. The workshop was sponsored by NDSU Extension, Grand Forks County Soil Conservation District and the ND Forest Service. There were presentations on Hazardous trees by Dr. Joe Zeleznik, NDSU Extension Forester, Tree Site Preparation given by Steve Sagasar, Grand Forks County Extension Horticulturist and Planting Choices given by Gerri Makay of the ND Forest Service.

 Grand Forks County Soil Conservation District has organized free trees to be delivered on Arbor Day. Each residence can receive up to 3 free trees for the yard. The forms are available at city hall. These trees will be larger stock, bare root trees. You will need to soak them well before planting and you will have to plant these trees. Those needing assistance, please let us know. We do have some youth groups from Grand Forks that had offered to help those who need assistance planting.

 The city has also received a storm tree replacement grant for berm trees. That sign up sheet is also at city hall. City Forester, Bob Deutsch, will contact you at a later date with the amount and types you would be eligible to receive. The city will bid and contract out this planting so the work will be done for you. These trees will be balled and burlapped large stock trees. You will be responsible for the care of your new tree.

 The city will also be replacing arboretum trees in the park and other public trees that were destroyed during the tornado. The community transportation grant for 2008 will commence as previously planned to continue with additional planting along the south side of our drainage ditch for extra protection and beauty for the community.

 Planting guidelines are also available at city hall. The city will have to receive a signed copy back from anyone requesting a berm tree. It is your commitment to follow the guidelines and to properly care for your new tree. There are also a limited number of packets left from the workshop with great information on trees to help with all of your questions on tree care. The deadline for sign up for these programs is February 28^th. Let’s grow Northwood – one tree at a time!