Dr. Michael A. Dirr Offering Future Tree Selections

FUTURETREE SELECTIONSBy Michael A. Dirr, Ph.D.Plant Introductions, Inc.January 2009EDITOR’S NOTE: During the 2009 WESTERN Annual Meeting and Trade Show, Dr.Michael Dirr addressed future tree selections during his general-session presentation. Hishandout was chock-full of information that we knew you would love to read and you willfind it below. Our next challenge was to help you locate these trees that Dr. Dirr raved about,so we e-mailed WESTERN exhibitors and asked them if they supplied any of them. Threecompanies responded, and you will find their contact information below as well as next tothe varieties Dr. Dirr mentions if they supply them.J. Frank Schmidt & SonBoring, Ore.Phone: 503-663-4128Fax: 503-663-2121grege@jfschmidt.comwww.jfschmidt.comJost GreenhousesDes Peres, Mo.Phone: 314-821-2834Fax: 314-821-4950sales@jostgreenhouses.comwww.jostgreenhouses.comLoma Vista Nursery, Inc.Ottawa, Kan.Phone: 785-229-7200Fax: 785-229-7201caitlin@lomavistanursery.comwww.lomavistanursery.comToo many red maples…and still coming, with Redpointe from J. Frank Schmidt & Son, among the best of the new (SUPPLIER:J. Frank Schmidt & Son I Photos Courtesy of J. Frank Schmidt & Son). Where to turn for new selections within the widely adaptableurban tree genera? Ash sales are down 60% to 80% because of emerald ash borer. Norway maple sales are crashing because of invasiveissues. Amazingly, elms are on the rebound. I work closely with J. Frank Schmidt & Son Nursery, Boring, Ore. with new introductions.During the Farwest Show (August), I spend time with Keith Warren, horticulturist, and we discuss the future of U.S. tree breedingand introduction. The following represent some of the new tree introductions: n www.wnla.org