GFC offers a wide variety of pine and hardwood seedlings. We cater to small, private, non-industrial landowners and we serve thousands of customers in that capacity. Seedlings are available in small or large quantities and we offer varieties suitable for all environments in Georgia. Many of our seedlings have been genetically improved to adapt to Georgia’s unique climate conditions.
Each year, GFC supplies seedlings to Georgia landowners for reforestation, beautification and wildlife habitat. GFC begins processing orders on July 5 for the following planting season (in Georgia, planting season is from December through March 1). Seedlings are available to the public on a first come-first serve basis. Orders can be delivered to and picked up at any GFC office across the state without additional charge. GFC also rents reforestation equipment. Contact your local county office for more information.
Our Nursery and Seed Orchards
All seedlings sold through GFC nurseries are grown from seed adapted to Georgia’s unique climate and soils. We process our seeds at our seed conditioning plant in Dry Branch, Georgia. Husks, wings and debris are removed and damaged or unhealthy seeds are discarded. Seeds are then dried for storage or prepared for immediate planting.
We participate in two university/industry tree improvement cooperatives, and we maintain two seed production orchards:
Flint River Nursery - Byromville, GA
Our Flint River Nursery in Byromville, Georgia grows approximately 15-20 million seedlings per year. That’s enough stock to reforest over 30,000 acres. We also grow a variety of hardwoods and other conifers.
9850 River Road
Byromville GA 31007
(478) 508-0056
Directions from Macon, GA:
- Follow I-75 South to Exit # 127 Montezuma/Hawkinsville.
- Off the exit ramp, turn onto GA Hwy 26 traveling west towards Montezuma.
- Follow GA Hwy 26 approx. 15 miles into Montezuma, GA.
- At the 2nd traffic light in Montezuma, turn left onto Dooly Street.
- Follow Dooly Street (the name will change first to Drayton Road outside of Montezuma, then to River Road once you are in Dooly County) 10 miles south of Montezuma.
- The nursery will be on the left. There is a sign at the first entrance.
Arrowhead Seed Orchard - Cochran, GA
214 Ocmulgee Pfa Road
Cochran, GA 31014
(478) 892-9580
Directions from Macon, GA:
- Follow I-16 E and US-129 ALT S/US-23 S for 33 miles to Coley Station Rd in Bleckley County.
- Turn right on Coley Station Road and follow it to Porter Road.
- Take a right on Porter Road and follow it until it merges with Magnolia Road.
- Take the first right off Magnolia Road onto Ocmulgee Pfa Road; arrive at the Arrowhead Seed Orchard.
Seedling Quantities and Varieties
Pines selections include loblolly, slash, longleaf and shortleaf, and genetically improved varieties. Hardwood selections include several oak varieties and many ornamental, fruit and flowering species. A special “pollinator pack” is popular for its bee-friendly qualities. View the GFC Seedling Brochure 2023-24.
Seedling Availability
Seedling sales open July 5, and deliveries begin the first week in December. Buyers can receive orders at their local GFC office or pick them up at GFC’s Flint River Nursery in Byromville. To place an order you may visit our online store! If you would rather pay by check, please mail your order and your check to Georgia Forestry Commission, 5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, GA 31020.
NOTE: The shipping address you provide is for our records. Orders are shipped to the GFC County Unit you select with your order. View our Seedling Delivery Schedule (Dec-Jan-Feb) and before placing order. Delivery dates may change due to the nature of our products.
Seedlings Costs
View the GFC Seedling Price List.
NOTE: Prices vary. Discounts are available for orders of 10,000 hardwoods or 100,000 pines.
Seedling Care & Planting
The ideal time to plant trees in Georgia is from December through March 1. GFC seedlings are sold “bare root.” We apply a gel to our seedling roots to prevent drying out during transport and decrease planting shock. The gel does not need to be removed before planting. Seedling roots should not be pruned. This allows for optimal absorption of moisture and nutrients from the ground. Do not allow seedlings to dry out from wind or sun and avoid temperature extremes. Seedlings should be planted deeply within two weeks of receipt. Seedling Care And Planting Guidelines
GFC also rents reforestation equipment. Contact your local county office for more information.
Helpful Resources
| Title | Description | Document Type |
|---|---|---|
| Condensed Seedling Price List 2023-24 | Seedling prices for 2023-24 | |
| GFC Reforestation Equipment Rentals | ||
| GFC Seedling Brochure 2023-24 | Complete brochure on seedling types, care, and ordering information. | |
| Seedling Care And Planting Guidelines | Overview guidelines for successfully planting and caring for seedlings. | |
| Seedling Delivery Schedule 2022-23 | Seedling delivery schedule map | |
| Seedling Order Form 2023-24 | Form to order tree seedlings. |
Tree Seedling FAQs
Can I buy the most genetically advanced slash and loblolly pine seedlings from GFC?
Yes. GFC does not withhold the best genetic material for planting on its own forestland. The very best seedlings are available to the public on a first come-first serve basis. Find out more about purchasing seedlings.
Some nurseries sell single-family seedlots; GFC currently sells large seed orchard mixes, along with some small family mixes of elite seedlings, such as the Elite Straight Loblolly and Georgia Giants (three families of each). As seed permits, GFC plans to begin selling single families on a limited basis. What is the difference?
Single family seedlots mean the seeds all come from the same mother tree. As a result, all the seedlings from a single-family seedlot are closely related. In a mixed seedlot, the seeds are derived from a number of mother trees and therefore more genetically diverse. Find out more about purchasing seedlings.
Is there an advantage to planting single families as opposed to mixed families?
Maybe. In a mixed seedlot the genetic value is the average of the families in the mix. If you are lucky enough to plant a single family that is above average you gain an advantage. If the family is below average, you don't. Unfortunately, the very best families are always in high demand and frequently not available to many customers. Find out more about purchasing seedlings.
Are there advantages to multi-family plantings?
Yes. Multi-family plantings, because of their diversity, are better buffered against unusual shifts in weather or environment. Additionally, families are ranked based on average performance. Some seedlings from lesser ranked families may have exceptional qualities. Multi-family plantings can include these outstanding individuals that may ultimately be an important component of the final harvest. Find out more about purchasing seedlings.
How does the genetic diversity of multi-family plantings affect fusiform rust resistance?
Research has shown that some rust resistance in pines is the result of a gene-for-gene mechanism. Simply put, this means that a family that demonstrates resistance to one strain of the fungus may be susceptible to another strain of the pathogen. Since it's impossible to predict what fungal strain a plantation may encounter, a multi-family planting may provide more insurance. Find out more about purchasing seedlings.