FAQs

What is a bareroot seedling?

A bareroot seedling is grown outside in the ground instead of in a container in a greenhouse. We dig them up from the nursery beds while they are in a period of winter dormancy, remove the soil from the roots and cover them with a protective moisture-retaining gel before being placed in cool storage.

What size are containerized seedlings?

We currently offer two different container sizes - 10cc and 40cc. Seedlings measure about 12-18 inches tall when shipped, depending on species.

Will you ship my seedlings or do I need to pick them up?

With a little help from FedEx, we can deliver your seedlings straight to your doorstep, if you live within the continental U.S. If you live around the Lubbock area, feel free to pick them up yourself. We typically set aside a week in mid-March for local pickups. Reach out at wtn@tfs.tamu.edu for more information.

When will I receive my seedlings?

Shipment of containerized seedlings will begin in mid-October and end in early December, depending upon the weather. Shipments will be prioritized by plant hardiness zone to make sure you have enough time to get them planted before winter's chill set in.

Shipment of both containerized and bareroot seedlings will resume in February and end in late March or early April. You will receive an email about a week before your seedlings are scheduled to ship, so you can be looking for them.

How will my seedlings be packaged for shipping?

Bareroot seedlings are tightly wrapped in bags while container seedlings are placed in paper bags to prevent shifting during shipment. Then, we carefully pack them in a shipping box and send them your way.

What are plant hardiness zones and why are they important?

The primary guide to determine plant hardiness is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, which divides the United States into ten zones based on averager minimum temperatures. Each zone is then subdivided into A and B sections. A plant is said to be hardy if it can tolerate the lowest average winter temperature that occurs in a zone. Hardiness is affected by duration and intensity of sunlight; amount and timing of rainfall; length and severity of summer drought; soil characteristics; slope; frost occurrence; humidity; and cultural practices.

To find your hardiness zone, click here and enter your ZIP Code.

My seedlings arrived, now what?

Once your trees show up, the next step is to get them planted. If you can't plant them right away, store them someplace cool, like a garage or basement. For bareroot seedlings, keep the bundles closed until you're ready to plant them. For container seedlings, open the boxes so they can breathe a bit and check the soil every couple of days. If it seems like they are getting dry, go ahead and give them a little drink of water. Be sure to check out our detailed Seedling Planting Instructions for all the specifics about getting your baby trees into the ground. 

Why are some trees or shrubs offered for sale one year then not the next year?

Seed production in trees is cyclical with some producing seed every year, while it is every few years for others. For those species that store well, we collect and store seeds in large quantities to ensure consistent availability; however, some species do not store well, and we are at the mercy of Nature to produce those as regularly as our harvests allow.

How often do I need to water my seedlings after planting?

For newly planted seedlings, a good rule of thumb is 10 gallons a week for every inch in stem diameter. Fewer but longer waterings are better than more frequent, lighter ones. Keep this up for two years until the tree is well-established.