Fall 2025 Tree Orders Now Open
Tree Planting Projects Have 2 Main Categories:
- Subsidized Tree Program – Fewer than 500 Trees
- Free Tree 2 Billion Trees (2BT) Program – More than 500 Trees
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Subsidized Tree Program (<500 Trees)
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Free Tree 2 Billion Trees (2BT) Program (>500 Trees)
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General Tree Information
- We have a variety of species to choose from, with options suitable for all conditions. To know what will best suit you, please review our Tree Seedling Catalogue for more information.
- Seedlings arrive measuring between 15-60 cm for the above ground portion.
- Plantings can occur in the spring or fall.
*For more detailed information on both programs please review the document below "Tree Seedling Program Information"*
Available Species for Fall 2025
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Fast Growing Trees:
Acute Willow Balsam Poplar Laurel Leaf Willow Manitoba Maple Okanese Poplar Trembling Aspen White Birch |
Long Lived Trees:
Black Spruce Jack Pine Tamarack Larch White Spurce |
Tall Shrubs:
Bebb's Willow Chokecherry Green Alder Lilac Pincherry Red Osier Dogwood Sandbar Willow Saskatoon Silver Buffaloberry |
Low Shrubs:
Canada Buffaloberry Lowbrush Cranberry Prickly Rose Wolfwillow |
Additional Resources
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Please read through the tree catalogue to learn which trees will best suit the growing conditions on your property.
Download and read through the seedling planting guide to learn how to properly plant and care for the seedlings.
This document contains extensive details of both Tree Planting programs EIWD currently offers.
When submitting an application for more than 500 trees, please review this presentation on Eco-Buffer Shelterbelts as that is EIWDs preferred planting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different tree planting programs?
Traditional Single Species Shelterbelt: Compromised of a single species to create a single row. Spacing is dependent on each species. Provides a wind barrier, and privacy but all trees perish at the same time.
Eco-Buffer Shelterbelt: 50/50 dense planting of native trees and shrubs. These are typically planted in 3 or 5 rows, with a 2-meter spacing between each row; spacing between plants is 1 meter. Benefits of planting an eco-buffer shelterbelt include higher species diversity and plant density, windbreak, as well with greater diversity, shelterbelt will be longer lived. *Eco-buffers will be given preference of traditional shelterbelts*
Reforestation: Non-uniform planting of species to reforest a previously altered area. Benefits include protecting sensitive areas and increasing habitat and ecosystem biodiversity.
Riparian Shelterbelt: Shelterbelt planting along a water edge.
Eco-Buffer Shelterbelt: 50/50 dense planting of native trees and shrubs. These are typically planted in 3 or 5 rows, with a 2-meter spacing between each row; spacing between plants is 1 meter. Benefits of planting an eco-buffer shelterbelt include higher species diversity and plant density, windbreak, as well with greater diversity, shelterbelt will be longer lived. *Eco-buffers will be given preference of traditional shelterbelts*
Reforestation: Non-uniform planting of species to reforest a previously altered area. Benefits include protecting sensitive areas and increasing habitat and ecosystem biodiversity.
Riparian Shelterbelt: Shelterbelt planting along a water edge.
How do I apply for the shelterbelt or reforestation program?
To apply to the shelterbelt/ reforestation program (>500 trees), please fill out the shelterbelt application form and submit it to [email protected], or call the office at 204-642-7578.
What happens after I apply for a shelterbelt or reforestation project?
After you apply for a shelterbelt/ reforestation project, we will create a proposal. This is shown to the executive board for approval. If your project is approved then we will communicate that with you, as well as other details that are needed to complete the project.
How do I place an order for under 500 tree seedlings?
Use the online order form on our website.
What happens after I place a small order for seedlings (<500 trees)?
Once we receive and confirm all small orders we will contact you for payment. Payment must be sent before EIWD places our seedling order. We will contact you about seedling arrival, and they must be picked up at our office, 15 Jacobson Drive in Gimli.
How big are the tree seedlings?
The above ground portion will arrive measuring 15-60 cm. The plug portion is about 9 cm tall and 3 cm in diameter.
What are the typical planting windows for these seedlings?
Spring – Between Mid-May to Mid-June, after last frost. It is best to plant on a cool calm day as the seedlings are fragile. Do not plant into standing water.
Fall – Between the end of august and Mid-October, regarding weather conditions, the ground is not frozen, and temperatures are not freezing at night.
Fall – Between the end of august and Mid-October, regarding weather conditions, the ground is not frozen, and temperatures are not freezing at night.
How do I prepare for a shelterbelt project?
Soil needs to be well worked through discing or cultivation. Soil should be loose and free of sod lumps and large stones. Roto-tilling closer to the date of planting is beneficial.
Before planting, you will also need to measure and mark out the planting area with stakes or flags.
Before planting, you will also need to measure and mark out the planting area with stakes or flags.
How does the Eco-Buffer Shelterbelt planting work?
Tree seedlings will come in boxes that are color coded and labelled with their species name. When planting, a map will be provided including separate colors for nurse trees, trees, tall shrubs, and low shrubs. Follow the color coding with your species, as long as you are choosing the right type of seedlings, the specific species is not important.
How does the tree planter work?
Two people will be seated on the tree planter, loaded with seedlings, and as the planter moves along they will follow the given map to plant the seedlings. Someone will follow the tree planter on foot to ensure that seedlings are upright and covered by the soil. Refer to the “Standard Operating Procedure – Tree Planter” on our website for more details.
How does the mulch applicator work?
When using the equipment to plant your trees, the mulch is done after the trees are planted. The mulch applicator will go along the tree rows, aligning the center of the mulch over the trees. One person will ride on the equipment and cut a slit where each seedling is and ensure that it has come out from under the mulch. Someone will have to follow the mulch applicator on foot and ensure that all seedings have come up from under the mulch. (Many people are recommended to follow the mulch applicator). Refer to the “Standard Operating Procedure – Mulch Applicator” on our website for more details.
Why do I need mulch for my shelterbelt?
Applying mulch to your shelterbelt will greatly reduce the growth of weeds and grasses within the rows. This helps with tree seedling survival in the first few years. You will still need to weed right around the trees where the weeds came up.
What happens to the mulch?
We have two types of mulch a simple plastic (similar to a garbage bag) and woven plastic. The simple plastic will start to deteriorate in the wind and likely won’t require much maintenance. The woven mulch will need to be cut out in a few years before it starts to restrict tree growth.
How do I best care for the seedlings before planting?
Spring – In the spring the seedlings arrive in a dormant state. We have a large fridge that will help them to stay dormant until necessary. Once you receive your trees you want to keep them in a cool dark (between 2-4OC) place until planting. DO NOT FREEZE. Check on the seedlings often, they can be misted if plugs begin to feel dry.
Fall – In the fall the seedlings are starting to go dormant when they arrive, their leaves will be naturally falling off. It is best to keep the seedlings in an airy place, and out of direct sunlight. Seedlings can be misted if plugs begin to feel dry.
Fall – In the fall the seedlings are starting to go dormant when they arrive, their leaves will be naturally falling off. It is best to keep the seedlings in an airy place, and out of direct sunlight. Seedlings can be misted if plugs begin to feel dry.
How much should I water the tree seedlings once planted?
Seedlings should be watered immediately after planting. This alleviates the stress and settles them into the soil, increasing survival rates.
Seedlings should be watered thoroughly but be careful not to drown them. From week 1-2 seedlings should be watered daily unless it rains. From week 2-10 seedlings should be watered every 2-3 days. After 10 weeks, the seedling should be watered once a week until roots are well established. For fall plantings, if there is a chance of frost, water the seedlings thoroughly as they can provide an insulating layer. Stop watering once the ground is frozen.
Seedlings should be watered thoroughly but be careful not to drown them. From week 1-2 seedlings should be watered daily unless it rains. From week 2-10 seedlings should be watered every 2-3 days. After 10 weeks, the seedling should be watered once a week until roots are well established. For fall plantings, if there is a chance of frost, water the seedlings thoroughly as they can provide an insulating layer. Stop watering once the ground is frozen.
How should I care for my seedlings after planting?
Weed around the seedlings to remove any competition and allow for the best chance of survival.
