Photos by Hillary Ehlen
Landscapers have to get their trees from somewhere, and one of those places is Paul Bunyan Nurseries in West Fargo. Though the majority of their business is wholesale, the company also does some retail. We spoke with the experts to find out what types of trends they are seeing with tree and shrub purchases.
Meet the Experts
Eric Christl has more than 20 years of experience working with trees.
Dean Gudvangen has been the manager at this location since 2010, but he has been working in the industry since 1979.
Variety
Paul Bunyan Nurseries sells hundreds of hostas every summer.
Overall, Paul Bunyan Tree Service has access to 183 varieties of trees, 217 varieties of shrubs and 468 varieties of perennials total. “We’re more geared toward landscapers,” Gudvangen said. Paul Bunyan Tree Service works with about 80 landscapers each year, which is why they focus on trees, shrubs, perennials and do not deal with annuals.
Organization
The nursery is organized so that the first and second beds only contain shrubs. The third bed is all grasses and perennials, while the fourth contains plants that have been pulled for orders. Behind that are evergreens, rows upon rows of trees and finally, a section of shade-loving plants.
Trends
Gudvangen places the orders for trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials each year. “A lot of it comes from the demand of the customer,” he said. For example, Gudvangen knows that they are going to sell hundreds of hostas each summer, so he has to make sure that their supply is fully stocked.
They also sell trees based on the color of their leaves. For example, the Canada red cherry tree is a hit with landscapers and homeowners alike. “That red color is very popular,” said Christl. Another tree that is popular for its red leaves is the autumn blaze maple.
This customer purchased a Canada red cherry tree, which is popular because of its color.
One tree that is especially popular with the City of Fargo is the honey locust tree because of its interesting leaves. You’ll notice many of them lining the newer streets in town.
Finally, Christl pointed out a tree that is not-so-popular, but that is a favorite of his: the hackberry. “More people should plant them. They’re just a good, all-around-tough tree.” he said. Although landscapers and homeowners tend to dislike this tree because it is initially slow-growing, the hackberry is a hearty choice because it rarely falls prey to insects or the diseases that often plague other trees. However, if any tree does show signs of disease, a big part oF Christl’s job is tree nutrition, diagnosis and treatment.
The honey locust tree is easily recognized by its unique leaves.
Paul Bunyan Nurseries
605 32nd Ave. NW, West Fargo
701-281-3436
