Oak Seedlings | Bare-Root & Container | Five Species

Why Buy Seedlings Instead of Starting from Acorns?

Skip the Germination Step

Acorns require stratification and careful germination. Seedlings skip all that — plant them directly in your landscape or larger containers and watch them establish. You get instant gratification with a guaranteed viable tree.

Faster Growth

A 1-year seedling is already established with a root system. It grows more vigorously in your garden than a freshly sprouted seedling would. 2-year and larger stock develop even faster, ideal for impatient growers.

Verified Genetics

Just like our acorns, every seedling traces back to a documented parent tree on our Michigan property. You know the provenance and hardiness of every plant you receive.

Seasonal Convenience

Bare-root seedlings ship dormant in spring and fall when conditions are optimal for transplanting. No need to manage germination under lights or worry about timing — we deliver ready-to-plant stock.

Seedling Sizes & Availability

Young oak seedlings sprouting from acorn in terracotta pot showing first-year growth

1-Year Bare-Root

Young seedlings with established root systems. Ideal for growers who want to plant directly into the landscape or grow up in larger containers. Size typically 6–12 inches tall.

Price:: $8–15 per tree
Height:: 6–12 inches
Shipping:: Coming soon
Availability:: Coming soon

📦 Ships bare-root US

Mature deciduous forest with autumn foliage — the potential of every seedling

2-Year Bare-Root

Larger bare-root seedlings with fuller branching structure and more developed root systems. Ready for immediate landscape impact. Size typically 12–24 inches tall. Best value for serious planting projects.

Price:: $15–25 per tree
Height:: 12–24 inches
Shipping:: Coming soon
Availability:: Coming soon

📦 Ships bare-root US

Container-grown plants at nursery garden center ready for planting

1-Gallon Container

Larger stock already established in 1-gallon containers. Excellent for growers who want immediate size and faster establishment. Can be planted year-round with proper watering. Typically 18–36 inches tall.

Price:: $25–35 per tree
Height:: 18–36 inches
Shipping:: Coming soon
Availability:: Coming soon

📦 Ships bare-root US

All Five Species Available in All Sizes

Quercus macrocarpa — Bur Oak

Most cold-hardy oak. Grows into a stout, broad tree with characteristic dark fissured bark. Excellent for windbreaks and specimen plantings in cold climates.

Zones: 3–9 Mature Height: 60–80 ft

Quercus alba — White Oak

Classic oak form with pale, blocky bark. Long-lived and elegant. Slower growth than Red Oak but exceptional form and hardiness. A true investment tree.

Zones: 3–9 Mature Height: 50–80 ft

Quercus bicolor — Swamp White Oak

Tall, upright form with pale-backed foliage. Excellent for wet sites. Underutilized but highly ornamental. Good fall color ranging from yellow to russet.

Zones: 4–8 Mature Height: 50–60 ft

Quercus muehlenbergii — Chinkapin Oak

Smaller oak (30–50 ft) with fine, chestnut-like foliage. Golden fall color. Ideal for smaller landscapes. Sweet acorns. Excellent choice for gardens where space is limited.

Zones: 4–8 Mature Height: 30–50 ft

Quercus rubra — Red Oak

Fast-growing, vigorous oak with bold foliage and spectacular deep red fall color. Best for gardeners who want rapid growth and dramatic seasonal display.

Zones: 3–9 Mature Height: 60–75 ft

Planting & Early Care

Bare-Root Planting (Spring/Fall)

Soak roots in water for 1–2 hours before planting. Dig a hole wide enough for roots to spread naturally (not cramped). Plant at the same depth as in the nursery — look for the soil line on the stem. Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water deeply. Mulch around the base (not touching the stem) to retain moisture.

Container Planting (Year-Round)

Remove tree from pot and gently loosen the root ball. Plant in a hole as deep as the container, with the top of the root ball level with grade. Backfill, firm, and water well. Mulch around the base. Container trees benefit from regular watering in the first growing season until they establish.

Watering

Water newly planted seedlings regularly for the first year, especially during dry periods. Oaks prefer well-draining soil and do not like standing water. Once established (usually after one growing season), oaks are drought-tolerant and require minimal supplemental watering.

Fertilization

Do not fertilize heavily in the first year. Oaks are adapted to nutrient-poor soils. Light fertilization or a mulch layer is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that encourage soft growth. After the first year, oaks rarely require supplemental nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size are the seedlings?

We offer three size categories: 1-year bare-root seedlings (6–12 inches tall), 2-year bare-root seedlings (12–24 inches tall), and 1-gallon container-grown stock (18–36 inches tall). All sizes are actively growing and suitable for transplanting to the landscape or larger containers.

When do you ship seedlings?

Bare-root oak seedlings ship in early spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) when the trees are dormant. Container-grown stock ships year-round but is optimally planted in spring and fall. We time dormant shipments to ensure trees arrive ready to plant during the most favorable growing season.

Can I plant oak seedlings in fall?

Yes, fall planting is excellent for bare-root oak seedlings. Plant from October through November while trees are dormant or just beginning to go dormant. Fall planting allows roots to establish before winter and reduces transplant stress. Container-grown stock can also be planted in fall with consistent watering.

Do you ship seedlings internationally?

No, bare-root and container seedlings ship only within the United States due to phytosanitary and quarantine restrictions. However, you can purchase acorns and seeds for international shipment, then grow your own seedlings. This is a popular option for international collectors, bonsai growers, and restoration practitioners.

Ready to Plant Native Oaks?

Choose from bare-root seedlings (spring/fall) or container-grown stock (year-round). All grown from verified-provenance acorns collected on our Michigan property.

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