Planning ahead for spring planting?
The John S. Ayton Tree Nursery has concluded sales for the 2026 planting season. Seedling sales for spring 2027 planting will open in October.
Until then, explore our selection of Conifers, Deciduous Trees, and Deciduous Shrubs to learn more about the species available through the Maryland Forest Service and begin planning your next conservation planting project.
Established in 1914, the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery is Maryland's state-operated forest nursery. Managed by the Maryland Forest Service, the nursery provides tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, wildlife habitat improvement, watershed protection, and other conservation plantings. For more than a century, the nursery has supplied millions of seedlings to support forest conservation and stewardship throughout Maryland.
Seedling Use Requirements
- Conservation Use Only: Seedlings purchased from the State Tree Nursery must be planted for conservation, reforestation, forest products, wildlife habitat, riparian buffer, or Christmas tree production purposes.
- Planting Reports: A planting report shall be furnished when requested by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
- Protection of Plantings: Plantings should be protected, to the greatest extent practical, from fire, grazing, and trespass.
- Restrictions on Resale: Seedlings may not be sold or removed from the land as live trees with roots attached.
- No Ornamental Landscaping: Seedlings purchased from the State Tree Nursery may not be used for ornamental landscaping purposes.
The Maryland Forest Service recognizes the many benefits trees provide for landscaping, privacy screening, and beautification. Homeowners and businesses seeking ornamental trees are encouraged to work with private nurseries, garden centers, and landscape professionals.
Shipping and Pickup Information
- Shipping Included: Free FedEx shipping is included with your order.
- Shipping Season: Orders are typically shipped during March and April, depending on destination and seasonal conditions.
- Nursery Pickup Available: Customers may also choose to pick up seedlings directly from the nursery.
- Shipping Restrictions: Due to plant health regulations and shipping limitations, we cannot ship to all states.
- Order Cancellations: Order cancellations cannot be accepted after March 1.
Seedling Quality and Liability
The Maryland Forest Service takes great care to produce, package, and ship healthy seedlings. Once seedlings leave the nursery, responsibility transfers to the carrier and customer. If seedlings arrive damaged due to shipping-related issues, please notify the carrier immediately.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The facilities, programs, and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or physical or mental disability. This document is available in an alternative format upon request by a qualified individual with a disability.
