Frequently Asked Questions

Orders are placed through our Shopify storefront on the product pages. Select your item, quantity, and shipping address, then proceed to checkout. We accept all major payment methods. Order confirmation is sent to your email immediately.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through our secure Shopify checkout.

Orders can be modified or cancelled within 24 hours of placement, before packing begins. Contact us immediately at contact@jeffs-nursery.com with your order number. After packing, cancellations incur a 15% restocking fee. We cannot cancel orders that have already shipped.

Domestic shipments within the United States typically arrive in 2–7 days depending on distance and carrier (USPS Priority or UPS Ground). You will receive tracking information via email upon shipment.

We're currently domestic (US) only, but we're exploring international shipping options for seeds and acorns. If you're interested in ordering from outside the United States, please contact us at contact@jeffs-nursery.com to discuss what's possible for your location.

A phytosanitary certificate is an official USDA APHIS document certifying that seeds or acorns are free from pests, diseases, and plant pathogens. It is required for all international shipments and is included at no extra cost. The certificate is inspected by federal officials before shipment.

Inspect your package immediately upon receipt. If there is visible damage, take photos and contact us within 48 hours with your order number and images. We will evaluate the damage and offer a replacement shipment or refund. All domestic shipments include insurance; provide tracking information if filing a claim.

Verified provenance means every seed lot or seedling comes with documented information about its parent tree on our property: species identification, GPS coordinates, approximate age, characteristics, and photographs. We track which seed lots come from which parent trees, but we do not claim to know the full genetic history going back to when the trees were planted (many are 40–120 years old). What we offer is documented source tree provenance—the location, identity, and characteristics of the trees our seeds come from today. This ensures you know exactly what you're growing and where it came from.

We offer multiple forms of every oak species: fresh acorns (fall), stratified seeds (year-round), seedlings (1–2 years old), and pre-bonsai/character specimens (3–5+ years). Check individual product pages for availability and sizing.

All seeds and acorns are collected from wild or naturally-growing parent stock on our property with no pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic treatments. Seedlings are grown in organic potting soil without chemical fertilizers. We do not hold USDA organic certification, but our practices align with organic standards.

Our native oak species are adapted to USDA Zones 3–9 depending on species. Our arborvitae cultivars are hardy to Zones 2–7. All products are suitable for cold climates. Check the species guide for specific hardiness ranges.

Fall-collected acorns can be planted immediately (stratification in the soil over winter). Spring planting is also possible if acorns have been moist-stratified in the refrigerator for 30–60 days. Seeds vary by species; see our growing guides for specific instructions.

Most native oaks require cold stratification to break dormancy. Plant fresh acorns in fall and let winter cold stratify them naturally in the soil. If planting in spring, stratify acorns indoors in moist sand or sphagnum in the refrigerator for 30–60 days before planting. See our 'Oaks from Acorns' growing guide for detailed steps.

Keep seedlings consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light or full sun. Fertilize lightly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Protect from heavy winds and extreme heat during the first season. By fall, most seedlings will be ready for hardening off or outdoor planting if your climate permits.

Yes. Oak species—especially white oak, swamp white oak, and bur oak—are excellent bonsai subjects with small leaves, dense branching potential, and beautiful bark. We offer pre-bonsai specimens selected specifically for development potential. See our bonsai care guides for species-specific techniques.

Visit our Growing Guides section, which includes species-specific care sheets, stratification instructions, and bonsai development guides. Our Species Guide provides quick reference information on hardiness, size, and characteristics for each oak and arborvitae.

Yes. We work with landscapers, restoration projects, and large-scale growers. Contact us directly at contact@jeffs-nursery.com with your requirements (species, quantity, timeline). We can discuss bulk availability, pricing, and custom sourcing.

We're exploring international shipping options for seeds and acorns. If you're located outside the United States and interested in ordering, please contact us at contact@jeffs-nursery.com to discuss what's possible. International shipments would require phytosanitary certificates and compliance with your country's import regulations, which we can discuss on a case-by-case basis.