Why is species diversity important?

Species diversity is a common measure of a community forest's overall health. In a sense, increasing species diversity prevents us from "putting all our eggs in one basket" and prohibits any single insect or disease from destroying a community's entire forest resource. Pine wilt, Dutch elm disease and the approaching emerald ash borer (EAB) all reinforce the importance of species diversity. In fact, forestry experts recommend that no single species make up more than 10 percent of the entire community forest resource.

ReTree Nebraska's Good Trees for the Good Life

Because one of the goals of ReTree Nebraska is to increase species diversity in community forests across our state, ReTree Nebraska is announcing "Good Trees for the Good Life." This list includes trees that grow well in Nebraska, but are often under-utilized. Starting in 2008, a tree species will be added each year to the previous selections until 2017 creating "Eight for 2008," "Nine for 2009,"..."Seventeen for 2017."

To view the 12 for 2012 tree species information and photos, click on the image below.

12 for 2012 publication versions for distribution:
12 for 2012 printer-friendly version with photos (4 pages),
12 for 2012 printer-friendly version without photos (2 pages),
12 for 2012 poster (24" x 36")

Are you looking for more tree species to plant in Nebraska?
Click here for a listing of more than 100 tree species recommended for eastern Nebraska (primarily east of North Platte).
Click here for a listing of tree species recommended for western Nebraska.

Finding "Good Trees for the Good Life" tree species

Easily identify "Good Trees for the Good Life" at ReTree-participating nurseries by looking for this preferred species tag (below).