Annie and I moved from the mid-west to Washington State in January of 1988. After a couple of years working for another local forestry consulting business, we started our own small arboricultural consulting company based in Mount Vernon, WA. Since then, Urban Forestry Services, Inc. has become a respected leader in urban forestry and horticultural consulting practices around the Pacific Northwest.
A few years after starting the consulting business, we wanted to explore our other passion of actually growing the trees we are so enthusiastic about. Initially, we rented a small field down the road and began planting. As timed evolved and the passion grew, we eventually purchased 32 acres of beautiful land in the Skagit Valley to start a wholesale tree nursery. Over the years, Urban Forest Nursery, Inc. has remained steadfast in always ensuring clients are delivered high quality street and landscape trees in growbags.
As both companies grew, our engagement in arboriculture has as well. From riding in the very first Tour de Trees for International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), to our commitment of a semi-truck load of trees to a tornado ravaged city in Illinois, or active role as a long- standing board member of the TREE Fund, we have genuinely remained committed to making arboriculture better for everyone. Lastly, we are proud to announce our $100,000 TREE Fund endowment, that represents our long-term commitment, has been fulfilled. The TREE Fund will begin soliciting grant proposals to provide valuable information on the improved methods of tree production, transplanting and longevity. As the Fund increases, more research can be funded. If interested, you can help with this effort by:
- Continuing your support of the TREE Fund
- Consider donating directly to the TREE Fund Root Research (Barborinas Fund)
- Consider leaving a fixed amount from your estate to the (TREE Fund’s) Heritage Oak Society. We did.
- Ask us how.
ABOUT THE NURSERY
Jim & Annie Barborinas began growing trees in 1995, starting with a small rented field just a few miles from the current nursery. There are now 32 planted acres with over 180 varieties!
At Urban Forest Nursery, Inc. trees are specifically selected and grown for characteristics that complement the limited planting spaces and adverse conditions typical of urban planting sites today. From Jim’s knowledge of growing trees, he is particularly adamant about soil preparation and proper tree selection regarding location, installation and maintenance.
UFN, Inc. trees are sold to brokers and contractors, but also directly to the cities of Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Bellevue, Everett, Mount Vernon, Bellingham, Hoquiam, and others. Trees are also shipped to British Columbia and Alaska.
The knowledge and experience of growing hundreds of old and new varieties, provides Jim with valuable information when selecting, planting and maintaining these trees in the landscape. He encourages anyone in the industry to take time to visit the nursery, learn more about the multiple varieties available and understand the importance of diversity of their use in the landscape.
ABOUT THE CREW
Urban Forest Nursery, Inc. has five full-time employees and on part-time employee helping out in the field. For over twenty years, Abel Contreras has held the position of Field Operations Manager, responsible for supervising the day-to-day work associated with planting, irrigating, pruning, digging, and loading. Juan, Gabriel and Paulino are Abel’s right-hand men, and work hard to ensure the nursery is in tip-top shape. Stacey Jones is our Sales & Inventory Manager.
