Certainly not this week, huh? Whew, it's cold out there! Seriously, March/April before they break dormancy is a good time. After the season's flush of new growth has begun would be a bad time. This growth is very "thin skinned," so the tree would experience rapid water loss, and almost certain dieback. Good luck--sounds like you're "building" a lovely woodland!

So as soon as the ground thaws enough to dig them, then?

I dream of having a woodland garden like the one at Rice Creek Gardens, if any of you have seen theirs. It is beautiful!
Linda

You and me both!!! I have a path through mine- and am working at removing the buck thorn and adding other native understory shrubs- and well as the shadier types of natives and others....
Hey there Linda- was it you that was talking about being able to buy native shrub and tree seedlings from the DNR?
I can't help wondering if there is enough of us to place an order together as I thought you had to buy in the hundreds......
As far as pines and conifers- I think I have heard it is always best to plant in the spring- unlike many other shrubs and trees that bennefit from a fall planting.
And just so you know- I think your place is much lovelier than Rice Creek already- you have so many treasures already in place, coutesy of Ma Nature herself!
Julie

Thanks, Julie, I do love my woods, but would like to make paths to stroll like RCG has. I am just afraid that if I make paths through the woods, I may damage or kill some of my woodland lovelies!

I posted about the trees/shrubs under sjmarq's posting re:tree seedlings. I will try to remember to bring the brochure to work tomorrow so I can tell you what all is available. It is through our county soil & water conservation district, tree bundles are 25 and I believe they have a mixed bundle, too. would be happy to split a bundle of conifers with someone as I don't need 25.

Linda