Seedling Sales Set To Begin

While it might be winter, landowners can begin making plans to help wildlife this spring – and beyond – by planting tree and shrub seedlings offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nursery. The 2020 seedling order form is available online.

The Howard Nursery grows tree and shrub seedlings for use on state game lands and Hunter Access properties, as well as for the Seedlings for Schools program and the Game Commission’s conservation partners. Any remaining surplus is available to Pennsylvania residents for purchase. Seedlings are sold in units of 25.

“Normally it takes three years to grow conifers and sometimes two years to grow hardwood trees from seed,” said Brian Stone, manager at Howard Nursery. “Our surplus of conifers and oaks is up from last year; next year we hope to have a greater supply of soft fruited species like domestic apple and wild plum.”

The 2020 order form contains a small selection of evergreens and deciduous trees, most of which are native to Pennsylvania and collected from Pennsylvania sources. The order form also offers seedling descriptions, site preferences and benefits.

Those species available are: white pine, red pine, Norway spruce, red oak, sawtooth oak, Washington hawthorn and black locust. Orders of 12 or more total units qualify for applicable discounted pricing. With the discount, prices are as low as $5.50 per unit. Regular price ranges from $7.50 to $9.50, depending upon the seedling species.

Stone said those who are interested in placing an order should call Howard Nursery at 814-355-4434. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Orders can be placed by FAX as well at 814-355-8094.

The order form is available at www.pgc.pa.gov. Place your cursor over “Information & Resources” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then click on “Make a Purchase” to find the 2020 Seedling Order Form.