N.C. Forest Service tree seedlings go on sale July 1

RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service will begin accepting orders Wednesday, July 1, for its annual tree seedling sale. With an average annual production of 10 million seedlings, and a reliable supply of more than 40 tree species, the NCFS Nursery Program produces enough native and genetically improved tree seedlings to plant roughly 18,700 acres of land.

“Our nursery program continues to provide affordable native tree seedlings that are geographically suitable for the state’s diverse forestlands,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “By offering seedlings in different quantities, the program can help customers of all sizes whether the need is as few as 10 seedlings, or as many as several thousand. The annual seedling sale is just another way that the forest service strives to keep North Carolina’s woodlands healthy, growing and thriving.”

The program offers quality conifer and hardwood seedlings. Genetically improved stock is available for Fraser fir, loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf, Eastern white pine and Virginia pine. These seedlings offer better volume growth, tree form, disease resistance, straightness, and other characteristics needed to produce beautiful Christmas trees, healthy woodlands and quality forest products. Customers interested in knowing more about specific tree species and available inventory can speak with NCFS Nursery staff, as well as reference the ordering website or seedling catalogs.

How can you order tree seedlings from the NCFS Nursery Program?

• Tree seedlings can be ordered from the online seedling store at www.buynctrees.com.
• Tree seedlings can also be ordered by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337) or 919-731-7988.
• Tree seedlings can be ordered using the order form in our FY26-27 Nursery Seedling Catalog. Complete the form and mail to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
• A user-friendly online catalog will soon be available at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/nursery-tree-improvement-program. Seedling catalogs will also be available at local NCFS offices beginning in July. Within the catalog, landowners can find information about the types of tree species, quantities and cost to order. Each species description includes information about ideal planting locations and whether a species is typically used to benefit wildlife, restore forest habitats or as marketable timber.
• Accepted methods of payment are check, money order, Mastercard and Visa.

Most containerized seedlings are available and used November through March while most bare root seedlings are available and used January through March. Seedling orders can be shipped to one of 13 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for a charge. Seedling orders are also available for pickup from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery near Crossnore.

For information on planting trees, customers are encouraged to contact their local NCFS county ranger. Contact information for NCFS county office and nursery locations is available at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts.