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 cities in Illinois and Iowa, 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.

In 2019, Urban Forestry Services, Inc. was sold to Bartlett Tree Experts.  This change allows Jim to concentrate all of his available energy on continuing to develop Urban Forest Nursery, Inc.

ABOUT THE NURSERY

Jim & Annie Barborinas began planting and growing trees in the 70’s and 80’s in the Midwest while working for a large private foundation and then the Peoria Park District in Peoria, IL.   After moving to the PNW in 1988 as a Consulting Arborist, he was disappointed in the nursery stock that he found available.  So, in 1995, he also began growing his own trees, starting with a small rented field just a few miles from the current nursery.  There are now 32 planted acres with over 180 varieties!  Of most significance is that all of our trees are grown in fabric growbags for improved root structure.  We have come a long way.

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 in the nursery, and his consulting experience of observing and evaluating trees in the landscape, 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 in Washington state. Trees are also shipped to Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Utah and British Columbia.

The knowledge and experience of growing and observing hundreds of old and new varieties over the years, 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 our nursery, learn more about the multiple varieties available and understand the importance of diversity of their use in the landscape.

Because Jim is no longer working as a Consulting Arborist, he spends all his available time, finding new and better street and landscape tree varieties, and improving growing techniques for better branch and root structure. He is also available to provide information on tree variety selection as well as information on how to design and develop a nursery that uses fabric grow bags for improved root structure.