SEEDLING SOURCES/STARTER TREES
I have planted several trees from what might be considered “weed” germinations in flower beds etc. with great success. Some of these are now over 40 feet tall. So there is a source of free tree seedlings you can find in your back yard or in vacant lots. But most trees for serious planting projects are going to be purchased as either bare rooted or potted seedlings. For bare
rooted stock one of the best local sources is the DEC’s Saratoga Tree Nursery. See the catalog here. Bare rooted stock should be planted as soon as it arrives if possible. Otherwise it can be refrigerated for a short period of delay. This is the most economical way to plant a large number of trees with the stock typically running around a dollar or so each and generally purchased in quantity. Potted seedlings are more expensive and more applicable to limited number plantings as might be made in a residential setting. The Arbor Day Foundation is a good source of potted stock. See their catalog for zone 5 here.
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