Fall Shipment of Blue Spruce

Lawyer Nursery receives requests annually from landscapers, garden centers, and conservation services for fall availability. In response, we have offered plug sales in the fall for the past two years and, for FALL 2008 will offer a bareroot Colorado Blue Spruce.

Two crops are listed based on your requests over the years. The San Juan seed source offers consistency in color and a slightly softer needle. Kaibab seed source offers a slightly sharper needle, slight edge on drought tolerance and possibility of highest number of “shiners”, bluest spruce sports. Both options of spruce are Montana grown for hardiness. The cooler climate yields a more dense form perfect for ornamental landscape use, windbreaks and/or Christmas tree production.

To help promote this pilot program and thank you for your continued requests, we have generously priced this opportunity to account for variation of size. The San Juan average size is 12-15"; the Kaibab average size is 20".

The size percentages and pricing schedule within the row run grade are as follows:

• Shipping begins October 6, 2008.


• Combined loads will be made to fuel/freight charges.


• Call our sales staff for truck schedule at 800-551-9875


• $500 order minimum.


• Again, there is limited availability so call today 800-551- 9875 or visit us online at www.lawyernursery.com.

Acer rubrum for Fantastic Fall Color

Best known for its brilliant fall color, the Red Maple is an essential component of the autumn landscape. This species was first introduced into British gardens in the late 17th century and has been a horticultural staple ever since. This is a tree of many uses. Besides outstanding ornamental value, the tree is also used in furniture making, turning, veneer, flooring and maple sugar. It shows some tolerance to air pollution and heavy metals making it a good reclamation species over old landfills and in industrial areas. The Red Maple is considered an easy-to-grow fast growing species. It suffers in high pH soils and very low humidity but otherwise is quite adaptable. It grows in most soil types. It also does remarkably well in wet, poorly drained conditions and shows some drought tolerance. It grows from sea level to near 6000 feet in zones 3 to 9.

Abies fraserii (Fraser Fir)

Native to a limited area in southern Appalachian Mountains, the Fraser Fir is a tree with an interesting history. Both professional and national rivalries played a key role in its discovery. First discovered in 1787 on a botanic expedition to North Carolina, Scottish botanist John Fraser may never have received credit had his traveling companion and French botanist Andre Michaux not ditched him for talking too much, using errant horses as an excuse to get rid him. It was then Fraser strayed upon the unknown species. Michaux considered himself a superior botanist and was most likely annoyed by his rivals accidental discovery and thought Fraser was motivated by gaining recognition for England at the expense of France.

The tree had very few insect pests until 1957 when the Balsam Woolly Adelgid was accidentally introduced into its native range. Since then, 80 percent of wild mature trees have been destroyed. Thus far, all attempts to control this pest have failed. Fortunately young trees in cultivation have yet to be bothered by this insect. Successful cultivation outside its native range has proved beneficial. In the coming decades, it may well be its popularity in the horticulture industry that saves this species.

Today, the Fraser Fir is a staple in the commercial Christmas tree industry where it’s grown in the mountains of North Carolina with great success worth millions of dollars annually. It holds it needles very well after cutting and requires only minimal shearing, two valuable traits in the industry. It also has the familiar fragrance associated with the holidays. The tree is so aesthetically appealing, that many artificial trees have been patterned after it but the real thing is so much better. It also makes an excellent specimen tree.

The Fraser Fir does best in moister climates with cool to moderate summers and acid soils but shows some tolerance to dry conditions. It does well in high elevations up to 8000 feet. Hardy to USDA zones 4 to 7.

Picea omorika (Serbian Spruce)

Picea omorika (Serbian Spruce) is a rare species endemic to the Drina river valley in western Serbia and eastern Bosnia near Visegrad and the village of Zaovine. It’s classified as threatened in the wild because of its very limited range. This species was unknown until its discovery in 1875 by the Serbian botanist Josif Pancic.

The Serbian Spruce is a medium-sized evergreen growing to about 50 feet tall in cultivation and up to 130 feet in the wild with semi-pendulous branches with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. In cultivation this tree is valued for its attractive crown form and ability to grow on a wide range of soil conditions. This species is also used in forestry for Christmas trees, timber and paper production. Hardy in zones 4 to 8

Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ (Red-leaf Japanese Maple)

This outstanding, slow-growing Japanese Maple is a species of many uses. Its naturally small size makes it a popular bonsai subject as well as a specimen, street tree or container plant. The leaves emerge burgundy in the spring then fade slightly to purplish-green in the heat of summer then to a beautiful red in the fall. Its intricate branch structure adds winter interest.The Red Leaf Japanese Maple does best in zones 5 to 9 in areas with cool to moderate summers with some humidity and slightly acid to neutral soil. This variety grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet with an equal or greater spread in full sun to part shade depending on climate.

Super Cold Hardy Pine

Pinus sylvestris (Scotch Pine)

From western Scotland to Siberia’s Okhotsk Sea and from above the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean climate of southern Spain, Pinus sylvestris (Scotch Pine) has the widest native range of any pine in the world. As a result of such a broad area, up to 22 different geographic strains have been identified. In Norway’s Stabbursdalen National Park it reaches a latitude of 70o 10’N where it forms the world’s northernmost pine forest, an incredible 460 miles above the Arctic Circle! It’s also a long-lived species, often reaching 400 years in the wild with some trees exceeding 700.

The Scotch Pine has a rich history urrounded by myth and folklore. Druids would light large bonfires with its logs at their winter solstice celebration to mark the passing of the seasons and to call back the sun. The cone was engraved on amulets as a symbol of fertility. It was also a symbol of worship for the Romans during the spring equinox festival of Attis and Cybele.

This is a species of many uses. Historically its logs were used in shipbuilding. The high resin content of its wood meant it was slow to decay. It was also used for healing ointments, tar and flavorings. A low-grade frankincense was made from the resin. Today, it’s a common timber tree in Europe where it’s used for pulpwood and saw logs. In the US its most common uses are as an ornamental and for Christmas trees. It is perhaps the best pine for Christmas trees and certainly the most popular. Light shearing produces a dense shapely marketable tree in just 6 years. It can be grown in northerly and dryer windier areas where many other Christmas tree species fail.

Easy to grow, the Scotch Pine does well in most northern climates at elevations from sea level to 8700 feet. It suffers in very high ph but is otherwise not fussy about soil. A drought resistant species, it will grow in areas receiving as little as 8 inches of rain per year in its native range but also does well in wet areas as long as drainage is good. This is an extremely cold hardy species, having survived –83oF in its native Siberia and where it regularly endures drops to -50. Hardy in USDA zones 1-9 depending on strain.

Cotoneaster lucidus (Hedge Cotoneaster)

Since it's introduction in 1840 the Hedge Cotoneaster has been a landscape staple in northern gardens, particularly in high elevation areas with a dry climate. From the Altai Mountains of central Asia, this attractive shrub has proven itself a valuable addition in difficult sites. Among the best shrubs for low maintenance and northern xeriscaping, it cheerfully tolerates drought, heat, and extreme cold. Old plants can be cut to the ground and will resprout quickly. The hedge here atLawyer Nursery grows in a neglected spot where it never gets pruned or watered. Average yearly rainfall here is only about 14 inches. The deer rarely bother it. It stands about 12 feet high and wide. Most ornamental when left unpruned, it nonetheless takes well to formal pruning and is one of the best species for topiary work in very cold areas. The summer foliage has a glossy shine and its fall color is outstanding. Shades of red and orange are reliably displayed every year contrasting beautifully with its dark berries, unusual traits for an alkali tolerant species. Hardy in USDA zones 2 to 6. Can be grown in more southerly areas but is seldom grown there. May freeze back to the snowline in coldest areas but rebounds quickly.

The Grand Fir (Abies grandis)

Reaching heights of nearly 300 feet, the Grand Fir is one of our most notable northwest native tree species. As a result of its large size, it is sometimes mistaken for Redwood. It’s also very long lived with many individuals in the wild over 1000 years old. A nesting and habitat for hundreds of birds and other animal species. The Grand Fir is a tree steeped in Native American history with its uses as diverse as the native peoples that revered it. Kwakwaka’wakw shamans wove its branches into headdresses and costumes and also used the branches for scrubbing individuals in purification ceremonies. The Hesquiat used its branches as incense and decorative costumes for wolf dancers as well as the pitch of young trees mixed with oil and applied to the scalp to prevent baldness. Occasionally mixed with stinging nettles, it was boiled and the decoction used for bathing and a tonic by the Kwakwaka’wakw and several others. Its knots were shaped, steamed and carved into halibut hooks and other types of fishhooks by the Ditidaht, Straits Salish as well as other coastal peoples.

More modernly, its most common use is in the cut Christmas tree trade with thousands of acres currently in production. It’s valued for its comparatively fast growth producing a 6 to 8 foot tree in 6 years. It takes well to shearing on commercial plantations producing the characteristic bushy pyramidal shape popular with Christmas trees. In the landscape, it’s useful in parks, cemeteries and other large areas where it can safely reach its mature size. The Grand Fir also makes an interesting bonsai subject. Its narrow conical evergreen habit combined with its aromatic foliage makes it a desirable specimen tree for the home landscape as well. The Grand Fir is also valued in the lumber industry for paper, plywood, sub flooring, posts and is noted for its low shrinkage. The Grand Fir grows best in cool to moderate summer areas with neutral to acid soils receiving at least 25 inches of rain per year. It suffers in high pH, dry winds and is prone to sunburn at elevations above 6000 feet. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9.

‘New’ Specialty Conifers

First introduced by the Saratoga Horticultural Research Foundation, The Emerald Cone Western Red Cedar is a plant of many uses. Its narrowly conical habit and lustrous green foliage makes it a fine specimen. It also works very well for windbreaks and privacy screens where it will tolerate frequent shearing. Because it can sprout from the hardwood it will take annual hard shearing, a plus for formal hedge work. Larger specimens will make a traffic stopping spiral topiary iving a definite formal touch to the landscape. The roots are not invasive and can be used close to buildings contributing to its excellence in commercial and campus plantings. Compared to the species which can reach 200', the Emerald Cone stops at about 40' making this variety much more It will grow in full sun to light shade in a variety of soils. It does well at high elevations to at least 6000 feet. Although it prefers evenly moist conditions, once established it will accept heat and considerable drought. It grows well into the warmer parts of zone 5 to 9.

Thuja occidentalis ‘Golden Globe’

As a result of careful selection and breeding over the last several decades, many eye catching dwarf cultivars have been developed. The Golden Globe arborvitae is one such little jewel. This variety was the result of a mutation from ‘Woodwardarii’ and found its way into the nursery trade in 1946. This charming little evergreen grows only to about 3 feet high and wide. It maintains its tight globular form without shearing making it a near carefree plant. Its golden-yellow color will hold through the winter with only slight bronzing, an outstanding ornamental in all seasons. Because of its small size, it will fit into any landscape. Plant with Cistena Plum where its gold foliage makes a nice contrast with Cistena’s purple leaves. Unsurpassed for a low informal hedge, as it doesn’t require shearing. It works nicely as a specimen, in groupings, border plantings and makes an outstanding rock garden plant. Hardy and adaptable, Golden Globe Arborvitae is a very undemanding plant to grow. It will grow in full sun without scalding or in part shade. Not fussy about soil pH or type, just avoid extremes. This is a low water use plant suitable for xeriscaping in many areas but will also tolerate wet conditions. Hardy to –40F, it grows well in zones 3 to 8 and protected areas in zone 2.

Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’

Introduced from Britain in 1923, the Zebrina Western Red Cedar has since become a valuable addition to the modern collection of variegated conifers. Often zebra striped its golden hues make a wonderful contrast against the darker greens of midsummer. This quick growing variety can reach up to 100 feet in gardens but usually tops out between 40 to 60. Pyramidal when young, it becomes somewhat more open with age. The foliage has an interesting fragrance. Warm sunny days will produce a light scent often compared to pineapple. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this variety, a plus in many rural areas. Best grown as a specimen where it can show off its variegation, the Zebrina also succeeds in many other situations. It will take light shearing making it a striking tall privacy screen or can be more heavily pruned in moist climates to make a shorter hedge. Plant in groupings in parks, campuses or other large properties for added color effect. Because it grows smaller than the species, it also fits very well as a specimen or background plant on residential properties. This variety grows best in moist acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 6.5 but is otherwise not fussy about type and will accept some drought. Like the species, it will accept heat but develops its best color in areas of cool to moderate summers in full to part sun. It can be grown in zones 5 to 9.

Hetz’s Midget Arborvitae

Finding plants that will comfortably fit into small spaces without pruning can be a challenge. The Hetz’s Midget is one such gem. This fun little odd ball grows only to about 2 to 3 feet with no maintenance. The growth rate is very slow only about 2 inches per year. Its natural round shape and small size make this variety a real eye catcher. The compact soft green foliage grows in tight-layered sprays that will bronze lightly in winter. It’s an adaptable, tough and durable evergreen shrub. The Hetz’s Midget was discovered growing as a seedling by Frank R. Hetz at Fairview Nurseries in Pennsylvania in 1928. It wasn’t introduced to the general market until 1942, its very slow growth the most likely reason for the delay. This was an exciting discovery at the time. Dwarf conifers were hard to come by. The current trend was to bring them over from Europe, a lengthy and expensive process at the time to say the least.

This undemanding shrub will grow in a wide variety of soils in full sun to part shade. It does best with even moisture but will tolerate some drought. It can be bent down by heavy snow but usually bounces back in spring. An occasional brush during the winter will solve the problem. It grows well in zones 3 to 8.