Shipping & International Orders
Jeff's Nursery ships bare-root and dormant stock across the United States. We're currently domestic (US) only, but we're exploring options for international orders. Learn about our shipping seasons, how we package your plants, and what international shipping might look like in the future.
Domestic Shipping (United States)
We ship bare-root trees and dormant stock across the entire United States during their dormancy season. All shipments are carefully packaged to ensure maximum root protection and plant health upon arrival.
Bare-Root Stock Shipping
- Spring Shipping: March–April (peak season)
- Fall Shipping: October–November (dormancy season)
- Carriers: USPS Priority Mail Express and UPS Ground
- Delivery Time: 2–7 days depending on distance and carrier
- What Ships: Seedlings, pre-bonsai specimens, character stock
Container & Acorn Shipping
- Container Stock: Ships spring through fall
- Acorn Season: September–November (fresh harvest)
- Seed Orders: Year-round shipment
- Carriers: USPS Priority, USPS Priority Express, UPS Ground
- Costs: Calculated at checkout based on destination and weight
International Orders
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 to discuss what's possible. International shipments of plant material require phytosanitary certificates and compliance with the destination country's import regulations, which we can discuss on a case-by-case basis.
Understanding Phytosanitary Requirements
For context, here's what would be involved in shipping seeds or acorns internationally:
The USDA APHIS phytosanitary certificate is a mandatory document that certifies plant material is free from pests, diseases, and plant pathogens. If we pursue international shipping, here's what the process would look like:
- Inspection Request: Upon order confirmation, we would submit a phytosanitary inspection request to USDA APHIS (the federal agricultural inspection service).
- Federal Inspection: APHIS inspectors would verify that seeds/acorns meet phytosanitary standards. This typically takes 3–5 business days.
- Certificate Issuance: Upon passing inspection, APHIS issues an official phytosanitary certificate.
- Shipment: The certificate would be placed inside the package with your seeds or acorns, and the shipment would be dispatched internationally via USPS or courier.
International Import Regulations
Every country has its own import regulations for plant material. Some countries accept seeds and acorns with a phytosanitary certificate, while others require additional permits or approvals. We're currently researching what's feasible and what paperwork would be involved. If you're interested in placing an international order, contact us directly at contact@jeffs-nursery.com, and we can explore the requirements for your location.
What We Cannot Ship Internationally
Due to USDA phytosanitary regulations and country-specific import restrictions, the following items cannot be shipped internationally:
- Live bare-root seedlings, rooted cuttings, or potted plants — These require individual country-specific permits and soil inspection that we cannot accommodate.
- Rooted arborvitae cuttings — Restricted in most countries. We can only ship arborvitae seeds internationally where available.
- Soil-growing media — If included with shipments, soil must be sterile, inspected, or removed per import regulations.
What we CAN ship internationally: Fresh acorns, stratified oak seeds, bare arborvitae seeds (where available).
Shipping Seasons Calendar
Here's a quick reference for what ships when throughout the year:
| Month | Bare-Root Trees | Container Stock | Acorns | Seeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | — | Available | — | ✓ |
| Mar–Apr | ✓ Peak Season | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| May–Aug | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Sep–Nov | ✓ Fall Season | ✓ | ✓ Peak Season | ✓ |
| Dec | Late season | Available | — | ✓ |
✓ = Available | — = Not in shipping season. Orders during off-season may be held for the next shipping window or fulfilled if stock permits.
Packaging & Care
Bare-Root Plant Packaging
We take extraordinary care in packaging bare-root stock to ensure roots arrive healthy and hydrated:
- Roots wrapped in damp sphagnum moss (pH-neutral, moisture-retaining)
- Additional moisture-barrier layers to prevent drying
- Ventilated bags to allow minimal air circulation
- Insulated shipping boxes to buffer temperature fluctuations
- Ice packs included during warm months (May–September)
- Clear care instructions included with every shipment
Upon Receipt: Unpack immediately, inspect roots, and plant or pot up within 24 hours if possible. Keep roots moist if planting is delayed.
Acorn & Seed Packaging
Acorns and seeds are packaged to maintain viability and germination rates during transit:
- Acorns packed in ventilated containers with moist (not wet) stratification medium or sphagnum
- Seeds packaged in breathable paper or mesh to prevent mold
- International shipments include phytosanitary certificate (sealed separately)
- Desiccant packs included if needed for humid climates
- Germination/planting instructions included with every order
Storage: Most acorns and seeds benefit from cool (35–50°F), slightly moist conditions. Refrigerate upon arrival if not planting immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping
Can I buy American oak seeds shipped internationally?
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.
Do you ship outside the United States?
At this time, we ship only to addresses within the United States. We're exploring future international options. If you're located outside the US and interested in ordering, please contact us to discuss possibilities.
When is shipping season?
Bare-root dormant stock ships in spring (March–April) and fall (October–November). Container stock ships spring through fall. Acorns ship September through November during the fall harvest season. Seeds ship year-round. Check our calendar above for details.
How are bare-root plants packaged?
Bare-root stock is wrapped in damp sphagnum moss to protect roots, placed in ventilated bags, and packed in insulated, moisture-retaining boxes. Ice packs are included during warm months. We ship only during dormancy to minimize stress.
What about phytosanitary certificates?
Currently, we focus on domestic shipping within the United States. If and when we pursue international shipping, we would work with USDA APHIS to obtain the necessary phytosanitary certificates. For now, if you're interested in international options, contact us to discuss your location and needs.