With trees, timing matters! They don’t operate on quick turnaround schedules, and successful planting projects often begin months, sometimes years, before a tree ever reaches the landscape. Our SGN Trees Ordering Timeline is designed to help customers understand when inventory is available, when to place orders, and how to secure the best trees for their projects. Whether you’re planning a municipal parkway planting, a commercial development, or a large-scale landscape installation, here’s how our ordering rhythm flows throughout the year:

 

Winter: Strategy, Selection & Spring Preparation

Full Nursery Inventory Available – December

Order for Spring Harvest – September through February

December marks a major inventory milestone. With the growing season complete and trees dormant, we finalize inventory counts for the coming spring. From fall through late winter, customers can place orders for spring harvest, a critical window for municipalities and contractors working on early-season projects. This is also when long-term planning shines. Winter ordering allows time for logistics, liner approvals, and coordination before the rush of spring.

 

Late Winter: Final Selection in the Field

Spring Tagging in the Field – February

As winter winds down, spring orders are tagged in the field. This step locks in the specific trees selected and prepares them for harvest once conditions allow. Tagging ensures accuracy, consistency, and confidence, especially for projects requiring uniformity or tight specifications.

 

Growing Season: Above-Ground Availability

Above-Ground Sales Yard Stocked – April through November

From April through November, select inventory is available above ground in our sales yard. This option is ideal for smaller projects, quick needs, or flexible timelines. While above-ground availability offers convenience, the widest selection and best caliper options are always secured through advance field orders.

 

Late Summer: Full Inventory Comes into Focus

Full Nursery Inventory Available – August

By August, our full field inventory is compiled and available. This is when we have the clearest picture of size, species, and quantities heading into fall harvest. Customers who are thinking ahead, especially for fall installations or future projects, benefit from reviewing inventory early and starting conversations with our sales team.

 

Fall Planning & Harvest Preparation

Order for Fall Harvest – July through September

Fall Tagging in the Field – September

Fall is one of the best times to plant trees, and it’s also one of the most important times to plan. Orders placed between July and September allow customers to reserve specific trees for fall harvest. In September, tagged trees are physically marked in the field, ensuring the exact trees selected are held for that project. Early ordering during this window offers the best selection and flexibility for fall plantings.

 

Why This Timeline Matters

Trees are a long-term investment in landscapes, communities, and ecosystems. Ordering early allows us to match the right tree to the right place at the right time, while also ensuring smoother harvest, shipping, and planting schedules. If you’re unsure where your project falls within this timeline, we are happy to help guide the process.

Have questions or want to start planning? Reach out to Maggie (maggie@sgntrees.com) to get growing!