Seed catalogs available –

The NC Forest Service (NCFS) is now accepting orders through its annual tree seedling sale. With an average annual production of 15 million seedlings, the Nursery and Tree Improvement Program produces enough seedlings of native and genetically improved trees to plant approximately 30,000 acres of land each year.

“Healthy trees and forests are more important than ever to North Carolina and a benefit to our environment,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Having a nursery and tree improvement program producing quality understory plants and nearly 50 native tree species available to landowners across the state is North Carolina’s good fortune, and I encourage landowners to take advantage of it.”

Conifers and hardwoods are sold in units as low as 10 and as high as 100. For those wishing to submit larger orders, the nursery sells tree seedlings in the hundreds and thousands. Momi Fir, Western Red Cedar and Virginia Pine are available this year. Genetically improved stocks are available for loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf and white pines as well as other species. These seedlings provide better growth in volume, shape, disease resistance, straightness and other characteristics necessary to produce quality forest products. See the NC Forest Service catalog for a complete list of species.

Tree seedlings can be ordered in several ways:

• Tree seedlings can be ordered from the online seedling shop at www.buynctrees.com.
• Tree seedlings can also be ordered by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337).
• Tree seedlings can be ordered using the order form found in our current catalog. Complete the form and send it to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
• A user-friendly catalog is available at the “Tree Seedlings & Nursery Program” link located at www.ncforestservice.gov. Catalogs are also available at local NCFS offices. In the catalog, owners can find information about the types of tree species, quantities and the cost of ordering. Each description includes information on ideal planting locations and whether a species is typically used to benefit wildlife, restore habitats, or as marketable timber.
• Methods of payment accepted are check, money order, Mastercard and Visa.

The distribution of tree seedlings will take place from December to mid-April, depending on weather conditions. Seedling orders can be shipped to any of 13 fulfillment centers across the state for a nominal fee or via UPS for a fee. Seedling orders are also available for pickup at the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery near Crossnore.

For more information on planting trees, people are encouraged to contact an NCFS County Ranger. Contact information for your local NCFS county office and nurseries is available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.