Tree seedlings available from the state nursery

Each spring the State Forest Nursery makes large numbers of low cost tree seedlings and shrubs available to the public to be used for beautification, reforestation, erosion control and wildlife habitat enhancement. Individuals can order the seedlings from January 1 through March 30 each year. The seedlings will be distributed for planting at the end of April. The seedlings are ordered in quantities of 10, 25 or 100 per bundle and cost 25 cents to $1 per seedling. Seedlings can be picked up at the state nursery in Boscawen, at one of the 10 county Cooperative Extension offices on a specific day in April, or can be shipped directly to the buyer.

“This is a very popular program”, says Cooperative Extension Forester Jon Nute. “The seedlings are usually two to four years old, about 24” tall, including the roots, and you can easily hold about a dozen in one hand. Some first-time buyers come expecting to pick up large potted landscape-type shrubs and are a little shocked when you hand them a bundle of 50 pine seedlings that can easily fit into a shopping bag. However, these small seedlings are hardy and easy to plant and just great to use in reforestation projects as well as establishing Christmas tree plantations. There are even special packages of 25 fruiting shrubs for wildlife for only $25.”

Some of the species available are balsam fir, white pine, Norway spruce, crabapple, hawthorne, dogwoods, bayberry, high bush cranberry, elderberry and beach plum.

Nute said, “As a conservationist, it’s nice to know that so many seedlings will be planted this spring throughout New Hampshire by so many people”.

Ordering information is available at www.nhnursery.com or by contacting the NH Division of Forests and Lands, PO Box 1856, Concord, NH, 03302-1856, or 271-2214.