James Ranch Trees, Inc.
James Ranch Trees is yet another of the family owned businesses at The James Ranch, located just north of Durango, CO in the beautiful Animas Valley. This native tree farm specializes in mature, towering (10ft to 25ft) Colorado Blue Spruce. These trees have been nurtured in the pastures of the James Ranch since 1978, kissed by the Colorado sun and watered with the pure Animas River. Unlike any other nursery, James Ranch Trees can deliver an elegant spruce tree for your landscape that has already thrived at Durango's altitude and in Colorado's sun. We specialize in tall, native trees delivered to your door by people who care about the success of those trees.
The Ott family (John and Julie and their three sons, Gunther, Abe and Stanton) have owned and operated James Ranch Trees since 2000. Julie was raised on the James Ranch and the Otts delight in the fact that their three boys are being raised on the ranch and learning the value of agriculture in their community. John Ott, the son of a forester in a mountain town of Colorado is the man to move and plant your trees. With his large tree spades and experience he can safely plant and educate you about the future health of your landscape trees.
Using his three different sizes of tree spades (hydraulic shovels) John is able to successfully transplant a variety of shrubs and trees. He is reliable and always happy to consult with you about your site and give you his expert opinion.
The Otts are excited to be a part of increasing the health of the tree farm by integrating other enterprises of the James Ranch with the trees. For example, their flock of layer hens, that provide customers with the freshest of eggs, is free to scratch and manage the insects in the grasses growing in the shade of the spruce trees. Toulouse geese as well as an occasional cow or pig also help manage the grass. Using a holistic approach the Otts use multi-species grazing to manage the grass in their nursery. This approach ensures the health of their trees and maximizes the vitality of the soil, which is the foundation for the success of the nursery.
