Posted: July 11, 2024 | Land Management
The N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) is set to begin accepting orders for its annual tree seedling sale on Monday, July 1. This event marks the start of a significant opportunity for residents and landowners to contribute to North Carolina’s environmental health by purchasing and planting high-quality tree seedlings. With an average annual production of 16 million seedlings, the NCFS Nursery Program plays a crucial role in sustaining the state’s forestry resources.
Healthy forests provide numerous benefits to North Carolina, from cleaning the air and water to sequestering carbon. As Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized, “Having healthy trees and forests provides many benefits to our state, including helping to clean our air and water and sequestering carbon.” Planting trees is an essential step in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The NCFS offers a wide variety of conifer and hardwood seedlings for purchase. These include both native and genetically improved species, which are designed for superior growth, disease resistance, and overall quality. Among the available species are:
These genetically improved seedlings offer enhanced traits such as better volume growth, tree form, disease resistance, and straightness, ensuring the production of beautiful Christmas trees, healthy woodlands, and quality forest products.
Residents and landowners can place their orders for tree seedlings through several convenient methods:
Accepted methods of payment include check, money order, Mastercard, and Visa. Customers can choose to have their seedling orders shipped to one of 13 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for an additional charge. Additionally, orders can be picked up directly from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery near Crossnore.
Most containerized seedlings are available from October through March, while most bare root seedlings are available from January through March. It’s advisable to order early, as the high-quality trees produced through the NCFS Nursery Program are in high demand and sell out quickly.
For detailed information on the types of tree species available, their ideal planting locations, and their benefits, landowners can consult the soon-to-be-available online catalog at www.ncforestservice.gov/nursery/NurseryandTreeImprovement.htm or pick up a seedling catalog from local NCFS offices beginning in July.
For guidance on planting trees, customers are encouraged to contact their local NCFS county ranger. The contact information for NCFS county offices and nursery locations can be found at www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts. The NCFS staff is well-equipped to provide advice on selecting the right species for specific needs, planting techniques, and ongoing forest management practices.
The annual tree seedling sale by the N.C. Forest Service is a valuable opportunity for North Carolina residents to contribute to the state’s environmental health and sustainability. By planting genetically improved and native tree species, individuals can help ensure the health and productivity of North Carolina’s forests for generations to come. Don’t miss the chance to order your seedlings starting July 1 and make a lasting impact on our environment.