Welcome to the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery

We produce millions of tree and shrub seedlings each year for reforestation and other plantings across Maryland and Delaware. We’ve been in the tree business for over 100 years, with our first nursery established at College Park in the early 1900’s. We are now located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore near the town of Preston and look forward to furnishing planting stock for many years to come.

Growing seedlings requires attention to nature’s schedule. Seed is harvested during late summer and the fall. Planting occurs during the fall and spring. We harvest and ship seedlings from late February to early May. All spring and summer we are watering, fertilizing and weeding the seedlings. It’s a never ending cycle of renewal that results in healthy, vigorous seedlings being planted across the state.

Whether you want to reforest timberland or create a windbreak, improve wildlife habitat or just enjoy the feeling of planting trees, we hope we can serve you.

Richard Garrett
Nursery Manager

The John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery is no longer taking seedling orders for 2013. Thank you very much for your order. If you missed out this year please check back in October to make sure you get your order placed in time for the 2014 planting season.

If you would like to receive an announcement and a link to the online catalog when we reopen in the fall, please submit your email address in the space provided and then click on 'submit'.

*Wye Oak Seedlings are not available at this time. Please check with us next year.

Nursery Links

Nursery Customer Service Survey

"Your prices and quality of seedlings is outstanding and your customer service is so good it is hard to believe you are a government agency."

Growing Trees for the Future

History of the Nursery

Seed Collection:
Contact Richard Garrett, Ayton Nursery Manager at (410) 673-2467
Potomac Conservancy/Growing Native

John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery Photo Tour