MD Nursery Offers

John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery
Now Open

​​​​​​​​​​​MARYLAND 5 MILLION TREES INITIATIVE

 Plant and grow a tree for every Marylander.​​​We can all appreciate the benefits of being tree planters and stewards. Trees improve the environment and aid our common cause of a cleaner Chesapeake Bay. They also provide tangible benefits for wildlife, for us, and future generations to come as these trees grow and the state canopy spreads.

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.

How to Order: The online tree seedling catalog is now open and accepting orders for spring 2026 planting at nursery.dnr.maryland.gov.

This year’s catalog features more than 51 species, with a few different choices from last year! Our seedling crop is growing very well and we have more than 3 million seedlings available.

If you are not sure which species are right for your needs, please call your local forestry office. They can answer questions about site conditions, species selection, and financial incentives for which you may qualify.

Payment: We accept all major credit cards. You will receive a confirmation email and receipt when your order is placed.

We continue to provide UPS seedling delivery to your door. UPS shipping fees will be included in your order total. Your order will ship in March or April depending on your shipping address. You also have the option of picking up your seedlings at the nursery.

Maryland's 5 Million Tree Initiative: Help Us Plant 5 Million Trees by 2031!

We can all appreciate the benefits of being tree planters and stewards. Trees improve the environment and help keep Maryland's waters clean. As our state's canopy spreads, so will benefits for wildlife, ​for us, and for future generations to come.

The best time to plant a tree is today. Learn more on our website.

• At Maryland’s State Nursery, Staff Grow Trees by the Millions
• Maryland Nears Half a Million Trees Planted Toward 5 Million Goal
• ​5 Million Trees, 5 Million Voices: A Tale of Two Trees at Coppin State University
• “Five Million Trees, Please”: Maryland Rolls Out ‘5 Million Trees’ Initiative
• ​​​​5 Million Trees, Please - An Overview of the Program and Goals
• ​​​​Pledge by State of Maryland State of Maryland - Growing Five Million Trees by 2030