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At Oswald Nursery, many of our first-year seedlings are sold through pre-orders before they’ve been fully grown. This is a common and trusted nursery practice that helps us plan ahead and grow exactly what our customers need.
 
Each spring, we start new seedlings from seed based on orders placed earlier in the year. By pre-ordering, you're reserving your spot in our growing schedule, ensuring you get the species and quantities you want.
 
Don’t worry—we only sell what we know we can grow, based on our seed inventory and growing capacity. Once your seedlings are strong enough and conditions are right, we’ll ship them safely to your door. You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your order is on the way.
 
Fall Shipping Dates for Plug Seedlings
October 20 – November 20 (weather permitting)
 
We begin shipping plug seedlings in the fall once they enter dormancy, usually starting around October 20. Shipping continues until about November 20, or earlier if freezing weather sets in.
 
 
Tree species offered as 1st year seedlings:
American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Bottomland Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa – bottomland ecotype)
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Chinese Chestnut (Castanea mollissima)
Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Dunstan Chestnut (Castanea dentata x mollissima)
English Oak (Quercus robur)
Hybrid Chestnut “Henryi” (Castanea henryi)
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
Pawpaw ‘select seed’ (Asimina triloba)
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
White Oak (Quercus alba)

1st Year Seedling

$5.00Price
Quantity

  • What is a 1st Year Seedling?

    A 1st year seedling refers to a young tree that has been grown from seed and completed one full growing season, typically spanning from early spring through late fall of the same calendar year. These seedlings represent the initial stage of a tree’s development and are characterized by their small stature and developing root systems.

    • Depending on the species and growing conditions, 1st year seedlings generally range in height from a few inches up to approximately 12 inches (30 cm). While small, they are vigorous and well-suited for transplanting, especially when grown in controlled environments that promote healthy root development.

    Grown in Plugs: A Controlled Start for Strong Roots

    • At the nursery stage, many 1st year seedlings are cultivated in plug trays—specialized growing systems that feature individual cells filled with a high-quality, well-draining substrate. This method offers several advantages over traditional bare-root propagation, particularly in terms of root development, transplantability, and early-stage plant health.

    Benefits of Plug-Grown 1st Year Seedlings

    • Minimized Transplant Shock: Self-contained root systems allow for easier handling and reduced stress during planting.

    • Improved Root Architecture: Air pruning encourages strong, non-circling roots that establish quickly after transplant.

    • Efficient Use of Space: Plug trays allow for high-density growing while maintaining individual plant health.

    • Early Selection: Plug-grown seedlings can be monitored and graded early, ensuring uniformity and vigor.

  • We make it simple to get trees delivered right to your door​

    Seedling Express Shipping

    • Seedling Express Shipping
    • Shipped with USPS Ground

     

    When We Ship

    We ship during optimal planting seasons—spring, summer, and fall.
    Most orders go out within 5–10 business days.

     

    Where We Ship

    Currently, we ship to addresses within the continental U.S. only.

    - Shipping unavailable to AK, AZ, CA & HI

     

    How Trees Are Shipped

    Your trees will arrive as plug seedlings, meaning they come with soil around their roots, grown in small containers called plugs.

    When we ship your trees, we gently remove them from their trays and wrap the root plug to keep it moist. Each seedling is then packed carefully in a box with padding to protect it during shipping.

     

    Weather Delays

    To protect your trees, we may delay shipping during extreme weather.
    If so, we’ll reach out and keep you updated.

     

    Need Help?

    Have questions about your order or delivery?
    Email us at oswaldnursery@gmail.com or call (563) 581-4710.

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