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
Seedling Orders
The 2013 John S. Ayton State Forest Tree Nursery is now taking seedling orders.
Please
click here to purchase your seedlings online. You may prefer to contact the
nursery directly at 1-800-TREES-MD to place your order.
For detailed information regarding each species go the online store at the link
above. Also, please remember that orders are first come first serve so get your
order in today!
If you need further assistance in choosing your seedlings use this link to
contact your local forester who can help you determine the best trees for your
site.
To email the nursery please type 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
