DNR Now Ready To Open Tree Seedling Sales For People In Minnesota

Planting trees provides many benefits, including creating wildlife habitat, protecting soil and water, and supporting a healthy forest products economy.

According to the Minnesota DNR, Minnesota's State Forest Nursery has provided over 1 billion healthy, native tree and shrub seedlings for Minnesota plantings since 1931, and all that experience has allowed it to develop methods to achieve the best seedling stock possible.

The seedlings are kept in the ground long enough to develop robust root systems and healthy stems. Depending on species, coniferous seedlings are between 2 and 4 years of age, and deciduous seedlings are between 1 and 3 years of age when sold.

The DNR boasts that every seedling is 'inspected to meet high standards for height, diameter, root development, and health', and they only allow the best seedlings to be sold. Now, the nursery is ready to open once again for seedling sales.

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Minnesota Seedling Sales Begin On October 1

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced that its State Forest Nursery will open seedling sales for spring 2026 at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1.

Landowners across Minnesota will then be able to order native, bareroot tree seedlings for their properties. Seedling sales remain open through Friday, April 3, 2026, or until stock is sold out.

This year, the DNR is launching a new online ordering system to simplify and streamline the purchasing process. Customers can view seedling inventory online to see exactly what’s in stock and place orders right away. The DNR strongly encourages customers to create a LoginMN account, which allows them to track their order status, view their order history, and pay online.

“We’re excited to launch a system that makes ordering simple and convenient for landowners,” said Sarah Ebert, State Forest Nursery supervisor. “Planting native trees helps build healthier and more resilient forests for all Minnesotans to enjoy.”

Seedlings That Are Available In This Sale

The DNR says the nursery has a strong supply of oak seedlings this year, so landowners will have a chance to grow one of Minnesota’s majestic trees. Oaks provide food and shelter for hundreds of native species; their acorns feed deer, turkeys, squirrels, and many other wildlife.

In addition to oaks, the nursery offers more than 20 other native coniferous and deciduous tree species.

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The minimum order is 300 seedlings, which can be customized in increments of 100 per species. Depending on site conditions and goals, an acre typically accommodates 300 to 700 bareroot seedlings. Prices depend on the type and quantity of the seedlings purchased.

Landowners are encouraged to contact a local DNR forester for site-specific advice or to learn about potential cost-share funding.