NCFS releases its 2016 seedling catalog

The N.C. Forest Service has released its 2016 seedling catalog.

“The Forest Service produces about 16 million quality seedlings for more than 50 species of conifer and hardwood trees each year at its nurseries in Goldsboro and Crossnore,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The catalog contains information about the types of tree species, quantities and costs. Each tree description includes information about ideal planting locations and whether a species is typically used for the benefit of wildlife, restoring habitats or as marketable timber.”

The Forest Service sells hardwood seedlings in quantities as low as 10 and conifers in quantities as low as 50. Large orders also can be accommodated.

In addition, the nurseries offer a variety of Fraser fir products. “These Fraser firs come from our best family genetics, which are selected based on color, form, fullness and USDA grade,” said State Forester David Lane. “They are grown in greenhouses using deep well water, eliminating the chance of Phytophthera sp. fungus. Demand for these seedlings is up, so order early.”

Catalogs are available at local N.C. Forest Service offices, which are located in all 100 North Carolina counties. The catalog is also available online at www.buynctrees.com.

Seedlings can be ordered online, by mail or by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337) using a Visa or MasterCard. To order by mail, complete an order form and send it to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Distribution of seedlings begins in the fall, depending on weather conditions. Seedling orders are shipped to one of 13 locations statewide for a small fee, or directly to buyers via UPS, also for a fee. Information about planting trees is available from county rangers, who can be found on the contact page of the Forest Service website, http://ncforestservice.gov.