The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) will start accepting orders for its annual tree seedling sale on Tuesday, July 1. The NCFS Nursery Program, which produces an average of 10 million seedlings annually, provides enough native and genetically improved tree seedlings to cover approximately 18,700 acres.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the importance of the nursery program: “Our nursery program continues to serve as a stable provider of native forest tree seedlings while ensuring access to a reliable supply of more than 40 tree species for planting throughout North Carolina.” He added that these affordable seedlings contribute to maintaining healthy and attractive forestlands and advised potential buyers not to delay due to high demand.
The program offers quality conifer and hardwood seedlings in various quantities. Genetically improved stock is available for several species including Fraser fir, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, shortleaf pine, Eastern white pine, and Virginia pine. These improved varieties are known for enhanced growth volume, form, disease resistance, straightness, and other desirable traits useful for Christmas trees and quality forest products. Customers can obtain detailed information about specific species from NCFS Nursery staff or through the ordering website and catalogs.
Tree seedlings can be ordered online at www.buynctrees.com or by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337) or 919-731-7988. Orders can also be placed using the order form in the FY25-26 Nursery Seedling Catalog by mailing it to Seedling Coordinator at Claridge Nursery Road in Goldsboro. An online catalog will soon be accessible at www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/nursery-tree-improvement-program with physical copies available at local NCFS offices starting in July.
Payment methods accepted include check, money order, Mastercard, and Visa. Most containerized seedlings are available from October through March while bare root options are typically used between January and March. Seedlings can be shipped statewide via distribution centers or UPS for a fee or picked up directly from NCFS nurseries in Goldsboro or near Crossnore.
For additional guidance on planting trees, customers are encouraged to reach out to their local NCFS county ranger. Contact details for county offices and nursery locations can be found on the NC Forest Service website.
