ALBANY, NY — It’s time to order your seedlings for spring planting. The annual sale held by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery is now open to the public and runs until May 10. 

Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve the state’s natural resources and foster the next generation of forests. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos notes that planting trees is a renewable resource for wood products, prevents erosion, improves air and water quality, lowers energy needs for heating and cooling, combats climate change, and provides habitat for native wildlife.

DEC’s tree nursery grows more than 50 conifer and hardwood species from local seed sources, creating seedlings well-suited to New York State’s climate. Seedlings are available in bundles of 25 or more, plus there are several mixed species packerts. Seedlings are a minimum of five inches tall and are one to three years old, depending on the species. 

For more information including how to order, visit the DEC website at https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/saratoga-tree-nursery/spring-seedling-sale. Some species sell quickly, so it is recommended to place orders by phone for the most up-to-date availability information.

Applications are also now being accepted for the nursery’s School Seedling Program until March 29.