Arbor Day 2023 is just around the corner on April 28th This day has special meaning here in Michigan. 

In a major success story, Chestnut Trees have seen a resurgence here over the past few years. Field researchers have helped to bring them back from the brink of extinction. With genetic engineering, new and comparable ones are now thriving throughout the state.

In fact, Michigan tops the U.S. in acreage of Chestnut Trees. Michigan farmers yield over 100,000 pounds of chestnuts per year.

The American Chestnut can grow upwards of 100 feet tall, and more than five feet in diameter. That is one reason they are known as the Redwoods of the East.

Chestnut Trees can produce a large amount of lumber and firewood. They make strong fence posts and solid hardwood furniture. Plus, these trees are a key food source for wildlife.

Chestnuts thrive in Michigan in part because they can be kept through the winter. They are said to be “the tree that surpassed all others.”

In the early part of the 20th century, the American Chestnut covered 200 million acres across the eastern United States. Tragically, many of these trees were decimated by disease.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture conceived a plan to cross American with Japanese Chestnuts. Then, local tree farmers responded by planting new strains of Chinese and European Chestnuts as well.

In recent years, they’ve drawn more and more families to fall harvest events.

A few farms are open statewide to the public for chestnut picking. Among these are: Winkel Chestnut Farms in the town of Coopersville, DeKleine Orchards in Hudsonville and Vriezema Chestnut Farm of Allegan County.

Many different types of trees can be purchased throughout the state. Aside from the great chestnut, there is a long list of commercial tree farms in Michigan. Here is a closer look at some places where people can find other types of trees:

Lodi Farms in Ann Arbor
For more than three decades, Lodi Farms has been an authority on trees in the Ann Arbor area. With an 18-acre farm, they have ample space to grow and cultivate them. To add, planting big trees is their specialty. Mayhew

Tree Farm & Nursery in Fowlerville
There is a fine selection of deciduous and evergreen trees on this Livingston County farm, with at least seven varieties of maple trees. Mayhew has Birch, Dogwood, Redbud, Spruce, Oak, Pine, Willow trees and more. They also sell several sorts of fruit trees, such as: apple, cherry, peach and pear.

Vena’s Nursery Belleville
The Belleville-based nursery has been in operation since 1948. Vena’s owns over 33 acres of trees and shrubs. They offer a wide variety of trees, from seedlings on up in size. Green Acres Tree Farm
Green Acres is a wholesale plant nursery in Pontiac. It offers mature specimens of Evergreen and Ornamental trees.

Michigan Timber Shack
Michigan Timber Shack is located in Ortonville. They offer the common tree types, as well as arborvitaes and boxwoods, along with a nursery on the property.

Nash Nurseries Owosso
The Nash family has owned this land in Shiawassee County since the mid-1800s. They feature numerous varieties of trees, which includes both fruits and nuts. Owner Bill Nash is a founder of the Michigan Chestnut Growers Association.

American Tree Inc in Almont
American Tree boasts more than 20 acres of live trees and plants. They are based in the mid- Thumb city of Almont. They include a one-year warranty with the purchase of any trees.

Dutchman Tree Farms
Dutchman started out in the early 1970s. It is currently based in the northwest lower Michigan city of Manton. The farm has a bunch of unique varietals.

They sell Balsam and Concolor Fir.  Beyond that, there are Black Hills Spruce, with a number of other cultivars. The Dutchman even sells Eastern Red and White Cedar, along with a classic White Pine.

In other parts of the state, there are Porcupine Hollow Tree Farm in Central Lake, Schutz’s Tree Farm in Imlay City and Tryban Tree Farm in Cheboygan. That covers a lot of territory.

Besides the family farms, there are Michigan’s franchise outlets. Chains such as Bordine’s or English Gardens carry a variety of trees.

Happy Arbor Day!