Growing Maryland's Forests Since 1914
The Maryland Forest Service has been producing tree seedlings for conservation planting for more than a century. Maryland's first state tree nursery was established near College Park in 1914 to grow trees for roadside planting and other public forestry projects.
As Maryland's forestry programs expanded, the nursery evolved to support reforestation, wildlife habitat improvement, stream buffer restoration, sustainable forestry, and other conservation efforts. Today, the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, located near Preston on Maryland's Eastern Shore, continues that tradition by producing millions of tree and shrub seedlings each year for planting throughout Maryland and the surrounding region.
Our Mission
The nursery's mission is to provide affordable, high-quality tree and shrub seedlings that support conservation, stewardship, and sustainable land management. Seedlings produced by the nursery help landowners, farmers, communities, conservation organizations, and public agencies:
- Restore and expand forests
- Improve wildlife habitat
- Protect streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay
- Establish riparian forest buffers
- Support sustainable forestry and forest management
- Develop Christmas tree plantations and other conservation plantings
The nursery typically offers more than 50 species of native and adapted trees and shrubs selected for Maryland's diverse growing conditions.
Ordering Information
- The nursery sells hardwood seedlings in increments of 25 and conifer seedlings in increments of 50, allowing customers to select the species and quantities that best meet their planting objectives.
- Shipping costs are included in the purchase price of seedlings. Orders are typically shipped during March and April, depending on destination and seasonal conditions.
- Due to plant health regulations and shipping limitations, seedlings cannot be shipped to all states. Some states have plant quarantine restrictions, and shipping distances may affect seedling survival.
- If you are unsure which species are appropriate for your property or project, we encourage you to contact your local Maryland Forest Service office. Foresters can provide guidance on site conditions, species selection, and conservation programs that may be available to assist your planting efforts.
- We appreciate the opportunity to serve both new and returning customers and remain committed to providing quality planting stock, reliable service, and practical guidance to support successful conservation plantings.
