Trends in Production of Hardwood Tree Seedlings Across the Northeast United States From 2008 to 2016
Bareroot hardwood seedlings are grown at both State and private nurseries across the 20-State U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, Northeastern Area. When propagated as bareroot seedlings, hardwood species such as oak, walnut, and black cherry are better suited for large-scale plantings due to size and cost factors. Here, we report on trends in the production of hardwoods and conifers at State and private nurseries in 2016 and on trends for four fine hardwood species from 2008 through 2016 at State nurseries: red oak (Quercus rubra L.), white oak (Quercus alba L.), black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.). Black walnut exhibited the steepest drop in production relative to the other three hardwood species in spite of having the highest stumpage values of the fine hardwoods. State nurseries are increasingly dependent on private landowners for their market share but may be imperiled by budgetary shortfalls in the future. A decline in seedling demand may be a function of several factors, including declines in Conservation Reserve Program funds or downsizing of markets for timber. We discuss the implications of declining tree seedling sales on State nursery operations and the consumers who depend on them.
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Author(s): Carolyn Pike, James Warren, Mark Coggeshall
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 61, Number 1 (2018)
Volume: 61
Number: 1
