Annual Arbor Day Tree and Shrub Sale

February 21-April 10, 2023

The City of Lakeville’s annual tree sale is a City-sponsored sale that offers trees and shrubs at a discounted price to residents. We encourage residents to replant a tree after one is lost to disease, emerald ash borer or storms.

How to Order

  • Online at Tree and Shrub Sale
  • By phone: 952-985-4600
  • In person: Go to the Parks & Recreation window at Lakeville City Hall (20195 Holyoke Avenue) during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

For species selection, planting and tree care information, see the links below, download a site selection chart (PDF) or call the City Forester at 952-985-2724.

Orders must be submitted by Monday, April 10, 2023. Many trees will sell out prior to the deadline.

Quantities are limited, and orders are processed on a first-come, first-served pre-pay system. Purchasers will be notified by email confirming which trees and shrubs are reserved for them. Our goal is to increase Lakeville’s canopy cover and tree diversity, so priority will be given to residents planting trees within the City of Lakeville. Trees and shrubs sold through this sale are not under warranty. 

Tree Pickup

Trees and shrubs will be available for pickup on Saturday, April 22 at Lakeville’s Central Maintenance Facility at 7570 179th Street West, Lakeville.

Shade Trees

Conifers (Evergreen Trees)

  • Norway Spruce - SOLD OUT 
  • White Pine - SOLD OUT

Ornamental Trees and Shrubs

Choosing a Tree or Shrub and Ordering:

  • Trees and shrubs offered in bare root form are light weight and easy to transport. They should be kept in a cool place and planted within 1-2 days from pickup to ensure roots do not dry out. 
  • Trees and shrubs offered in pots (containers) should be “box” cut with a hand saw prior to planting. If they are kept in a cool spot and watered, they can be planted as time permits. 
  • Not sure it’s worth buying a “smaller” tree instead of hiring a contractor to install a larger tree? Consider that for every inch in stem diameter, the tree will go through a year of transplant shock where it will only grow roots. Smaller diameter trees establish root systems and start growing taller/wider faster. In many cases because of their exceptional root systems, bare root trees can outgrow their “larger” tree counterparts simply due to the number of roots present at planting time and their ability to establish. 
  • All trees/shrubs are offered at a discounted price compared to typical retail prices. 
  • Unlike a retail nursery, these trees/shrubs do not have a warranty. 
  • Townhome associations are encouraged to participate to improve their species diversity.

Planting:

Care and Maintenance: 

  • Planting is a stressful experience for the tree or shrub being planted. It takes time for the plant to start growing new roots and establish in its new landscape. 
  • A rule-of-thumb is that it takes 1 year for every inch of trunk diameter for a tree to establish in the landscape. For a 2 inch tree, it may take 2 years for the tree to establish its root system and start growing more branches and increasing in trunk size. 
  • Consistent watering and mulching can help plants better establish. 
  • Newly planted trees need to be watered 15-25 gallons of water each week, watering can be skipped if it rained 1 inch or more that week. If you have heavy clay soil that does not drain well, you can kill the tree roots by over watering and need to monitor soil moisture more closely.  
  • Consider using a gator bag to water your new tree.
  • Stop watering your tree once the ground freezes and remove gator bags if you are using them.
  • Rodents and other animals may try to climb your new tree or peel its bark during the winter, you can use a tree guard to protect it from this type of damage.
  • For guidelines on watering and mulching your new plants, watch a few videos created by the Minnesota DNR. 

For more information about the Arbor Day Tree and Shrub sale, contact the City Forester at 952-985-2724.