Notice: Spring 2026 Seedling Sales Have Concluded
The nursery has concluded sales for the spring 2026 planting season. Sales for spring 2027 planting are expected to open in October. Customers may still visit the
John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery ordering site to review available species and begin planning future planting projects.
The John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery grows tree and shrub seedlings for conservation planting projects across Maryland. Managed by the Maryland Forest Service, the nursery provides affordable planting stock for reforestation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, riparian buffers, forest products, Christmas tree production, and other stewardship projects.
The nursery is also a certified participant in the
Maryland’s Best Native Plant Program, a voluntary statewide program that recognizes nurseries with qualifying inventories of Maryland native plants. This certification reflects the nursery’s role in helping Marylanders find native trees and shrubs suited to conservation planting.
Customers can view available species, review seasonal ordering information, and place seedling orders through the
John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery ordering site. The ordering site also includes customer information, pickup and shipping details, and current sales updates.
Seedlings for Conservation Planting
State Nursery seedlings are grown for conservation and stewardship projects. They are well suited for reforestation, wildlife habitat improvement, streamside buffers, watershed protection, forest products, windbreaks, Christmas tree production, and similar planting efforts.
Successful planting starts before seedlings arrive. Customers should consider the planting site, soil conditions, sunlight, drainage, deer pressure, competing vegetation, and long-term maintenance needs before selecting species. The nursery ordering site provides species information to help customers choose seedlings that fit their planting goals and site conditions.
For larger planting projects or forest management questions, contact your local Maryland Forest Service office.
How the Nursery Works
Growing seedlings follows nature’s schedule. Seed is collected in late summer and fall, seedlings are grown and cared for through the year, and orders are prepared for spring planting. The nursery typically ships seedlings in late winter and spring so they can be planted while dormant and ready to grow as the season begins.
This annual cycle has supported conservation planting in Maryland for more than a century, helping landowners, public agencies, communities, and conservation partners put healthy seedlings in the ground.
Additional Resources
Contact Us
John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery
Maryland Forest Service
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
3424 Gallagher Road
Preston, Maryland 21655
Phone: 410-673-2467
[email protected]
