~ August 8, 2025

Every August, there’s a certain rhythm in the nursery that shifts. The tractors still hum, the crews still work the rows, but there’s a new kind of focus in the air. Inventory season has arrived.

Led by SGN Trees Grower Joey Thomas, our team heads into the field calipers in hand to measure and record the size of every tree. Utilizing the InstaCaliper from 2nd Sight Bio, each digital caliper measurement makes its way into our GrowPoint inventory software, where rows of numbers begin to tell the story of the season. From sturdy single-stems to branching multi-stems, nothing is missed.

Out in the field, inventory is more than just counting trees. It’s a chance to walk the rows slowly, to really see the progress each tree has made since spring. This year, we’re seeing strong, healthy growth across the board. Younger stock is filling out beautifully, and many varieties are maturing right on schedule for fall digging or next spring’s harvest.

We’ve also been sharpening our focus on “shrink,” the industry term for trees lost to damage or other causes. Last year, our shrink rate was 5.4%, already better than the 5.6% industry average. This year, with improved processes and better tracking, we’re aiming even lower. Every tree we can keep in production is one more ready to be planted in a community, park, or backyard.

Back in the office, the data collected in the field becomes the backbone of our planning. Accurate counts mean we can forecast more effectively, plan production with confidence, and give our customers a clear picture of availability, sometimes two or three seasons ahead.

If you visit the nursery this time of year, you’ll see a snapshot of what’s coming. Inventory season may not be as flashy as spring blossoms or autumn colors, but it’s just as vital to the life of the nursery. It’s our way of making sure every tree’s story is told, and that when the time comes, it’s ready to thrive wherever it’s planted!

~ Maggie Thomas Harper