​2018 Tree Seedling Distribution Program - Frequently Asked Questions

 

I found out about the program when it was too late to order for this year. How can I find out about next year’s program?

Contact Michelle Hudolin at 705-527-5166 ext. 202 to be added to an email distribution list. You will be notified about next year’s seedling program as soon as details are available [Severn Sound Environmental Association does not sell, trade, or exchange mailing lists].

Alternately, visit tree-seedling-distribution for updates on the program.

The participating municipalities, available species, and prices are typically finalized by early December. Seedlings must be pre-ordered in December/January.

Who can participate in the 2018 Tree Seedling Distribution Program?

The 2018 Tree Seedling Distribution Program is open to residents of the following municipalities:

  • Midland
  • Oro-Medonte
  • Severn
  • Springwater
  • Tay
  • Tiny

NOTE: Other municipalities may be added in December/January as they confirm their participation.

Residents of other North Simcoe municipalities can purchase seedlings through the program, however these residents will be required to pick up their trees at a designated location in one of the participating municipalities.

How much do the seedlings cost?

​For the 2018 Tree Distribution Program, all species are being sold in bundles of 10 seedlings. The price per bundle varies by species; all applicable taxes are included. See the 2018 Price List below.

2018 Price List

Species
Price per bundle (includes tax) [seedlings are sold in bundles of 10]
Seedling Age (years)
Approximate Height [stem
diameter of seedlings is approx. 0.5 cm (1/4”)]
White Pine
$17.00
3
15-30 cm (6-12")
Red Pine
$16.00
2
15-25 cm (6-10")
White Spruce
$19.00
4
20-40 cm (8-16")
White Cedar
$19.00
4
25-40 cm (10-16")
Balsam Fir
$22.00
2
25-40 cm (10-16")
Silver Maple
$20.00
1
25-40 cm (10-16")
White Birch
$24.00
2
60 cm+ (24"+)
Nannyberry(Shrub)
$24.00
2
25-60 cm (10-24")

I don’t want an entire bundle of 10 trees. Can I buy just one tree?

No - for the Tree Distribution Program, all species are sold in bundles of 10 seedlings. The seedling program typically sells 8,000-10,000 seedlings annually, which makes it too labour-intensive to split up bundles into smaller quantities. Consider sharing a bundle of seedlings with friends, neighbours, or family.

What does “bare-root” mean?

Bare-root plant material is sold with the roots exposed and bare of soil (i.e., seedlings are not potted). The stock is grown in fields, and is harvested in early spring when the plant is dormant. Bare-root stock is perishable, and must be handled carefully and planted as soon as possible. Buying bare-root stock is considerably cheaper than purchasing container-grown plants.

How big will the tree seedlings be?

Seedlings are 1 to 4 year-old bare-root plants (i.e. not potted). Seedlings are approximately 15 to 60 cm (6 to 24”) in height, and ½ cm (1/4”) in stem diameter. The age and size of seedlings varies by species (for details, see our 2018 price list).

For the 2018 Tree Distribution Program, all species are being sold in bundles of 10 seedlings. Bundles of pine, spruce, cedar and fir will appear larger than hardwood trees and shrubs because the evergreen seedlings have needles, making the bundles look bushier.

I am looking for trees that are larger than the seedlings being sold in this program. Do you sell bigger stock?

No - Severn Sound Environmental Association does not have any stock larger than what is listed for sale. For larger stock, ask at a local nursery or garden centre.

Where can I learn more about selecting species suitable for my property?

​For more information on species characteristics, see our Species Selection Guide. 

(Note: Some species are not available every year. Check the current year's price list for species offered this year.)

When is the deadline for ordering trees?

The deadline for ordering trees is January 19, 2018. Orders received after this date will NOT be accepted because we have to confirm our bulk order with the nursery. A limited number of trees are available, and we usually sell out of many species – order early to avoid disappointment.

How do I place an order for tree seedlings?

    To place a seedling order, email (preferred) or telephone Michelle Hudolin at Severn Sound Environmental Association ( mhudolin@midland.ca or 705-527-5166 ext. 202).

    INSTRUCTIONS FOR ORDERING BY EMAIL

    Include all the following information (incomplete orders will not be processed):

  • Your municipality (Tay, Tiny, Midland, Penetanguishene, Severn, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, Orillia, other north Simcoe municipality)
  • Your first and last name
  • Your daytime phone number
  • An alternate phone number
  • Your email address
  • Your mailing address
  • The number of bundles of each species you would like to order (trees are sold in bundles of 10)

    • SSEA staff will verify that the requested stock is available, confirm your payment amount, and provide payment instructions within one week of your order.

    If you do not receive a message about your order within one week, assume your order was not received, and contact the Severn Sound Environmental Association office by telephone (705-527-5166).

How do I pay for my tree seedling order?

Payment is due by Wednesday, January 24, 2018.

Payment options include personal cheque or money order (payable to: Severn Sound Environmental Association). Post-dated cheques will NOT be accepted.

Sorry, we do not accept credit card payments or online transfers.

There are no refunds on orders less than $40.00 and no refunds on orders cancelled after - January 19, 2018.

Send payment to:
SEVERN SOUND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATION
TREE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
67 FOURTH STREET
MIDLAND ON L4R 3S9

What should I do to prepare for tree planting?

For more information on preparing for tree planting, read the information on Site Preparation. Tree seedlings are perishable, and must be handled carefully and planted as soon as possible, ideally the same day they are picked up

Where can I find details about the pick-up date, times and location?

Participants are provided with several options for pick up date and location. A receipt with pick-up instructions is sent BY EMAIL in early April. If you purchase trees and do not receive your receipt by early April, contact Michelle Hudolin by telephone, at 705-527-5166 ext. 202. Receipts are required as proof of purchase on the pick-up date.

What if I can’t pick up my trees on the designated date?

If you are unable to pick up your seedlings on the designated date, you are required to make arrangements to have someone pick up your order on your behalf (please send them with your receipt). We do not have the appropriate facilities available to store or distribute seedlings after the pick-up day.

How will my tree seedling order be packaged on pick-up day?

​Individual orders of tree/shrub seedlings will be packaged in tree bags. Tree bags are large paper bags with a plastic liner, similar in size to a large curbside garbage bag. Depending on the type and size of the trees and the quantity of trees in the order, more than one tree bag may be required. Generally, one tree bag will hold approximately 200-300 trees, therefore only large orders will require more than one bag.

How should I transport my seedlings home from the pick-up location?

A trailer is not generally needed for picking up seedlings. Tree orders containing several hundred trees and/or a large proportion of evergreen seedlings will be bulkier than small orders of hardwood/shrub seedlings. Large orders may require a pick-up truck, but many smaller orders will fit in a van or in the trunk of a car. It is important to handle seedlings gently, and keep the seedlings cool and well ventilated at all times. Travel time should be minimized to prevent the seedlings from overheating in your vehicle, so plan to take your seedlings directly home once you pick them up.

How do I handle, plant, and care for the seedlings?

Tree seedlings are perishable, and must be handled carefully and planted as soon as possible, ideally the same day they are picked up. For more information on handling, planting and caring for seedlings, read our Tree Planting Tips and Careful Handling of Nursery Stock.

How long will it take me to plant my trees?

Tree seedlings should ideally be planted the same day they are picked up. Inexperienced tree planters should plan on planting approximately 400 trees per person in an eight-hour day. Experienced tree planters will usually plant 1000 trees or more per person in a day.

Should I fertilize my tree seedlings?

If the right tree was selected for the planting site, fertilizer should not be needed to produce healthy trees. Be aware that fertilizer can harm tree seedlings if used improperly:

Never add fertilizer to the hole before planting seedlings - fertilizer can damage the delicate roots.

Too much nitrogen causes above-ground seedling growth at the expense of root development.

To help your seedlings grow, keep the area around the tree free from grass or weeds that will compete for moisture and nutrients, and water the seedlings during dry periods for the first few years.