The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' State Forest Nursery will open spring 2027 seedling sales at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13. More than 3.5 million native, bareroot tree and shrub seedlings are available for Minnesota landowners to order. Whether people are looking to reforest their property after a harvest or planting for wildlife and pollinators, the nursery has options available.
Seedlings are ordered through the online ordering system. Customers are encouraged to create a LoginMN account to track and view orders. Customers who check out as guests can still order, but will not be able to track and view their order history using the system. Those using cost share or claiming tax-exempt status will need to create an account.
“Our tree and shrub seedlings are great for large scale plantings and reforestation projects. Bareroot seedlings are easy to plant and some DNR offices even lend out tree planters you can attach to your tractor,” DNR Assistant State Forest Nursery Manager Matt Thompson said. “Our conifers are less than a dollar per tree and hardwoods are $1.25. The price drops even more when you order larger quantities. With a $20 flat rate for pick up at a drop site near you, it's a great deal.”
The nursery has an ample supply of white pine and white spruce this year. These trees make great additions to the winter landscape by providing valuable wildlife shelter. The nursery is also excited to offer several varieties of shrubs, such as dogwoods, nannyberries and cherries, as well as pre-made mixed species seedling packets to fit woodland goals. The minimum order is 300 seedlings or one 250-seedling packet. Orders can be customized in increments of 100 per species. Depending on site conditions and future forest goals, an open acre can accommodate 300 to 700 seedlings.
Landowners are encouraged to contact a local DNR forester for site-specific planting advice. Landowners planting 3 acres or more of open, historically forested land, may also qualify for the DNR’s Field to Forest Cost Share program. After planting is complete, the program reimburses up to 75% of tree planting costs and provides an additional $500 per acre. Funding is limited, so sign up early to give a forester plenty of time to visit the property and help create a tree planting plan, which is required to receive cost share.
Nursery seedling sales will remain open through Friday, March 12, 2027 or until stock is sold out. For inventory and ordering information, visit the nursery webpage.