What we believe about water conservation...
The use of drip irrigation technology uses between 70 to 80% less water to supply the water our plants require compared to traditional overhead irrigation. The water is applied directly to the root zone and is computer controlled to deliver the amount necessary to maintain optimal growth without excess.


What we believe about water quality, runoff and treatment...
What little water does flow from our nursery site (along with an uphill neighboring 140 acre farm treated with biosolids) is diverted into our created "water quality wetlands" where plants absorb excess nutrients prior to discharge back to the Octoraro Creek. Millersville University Biology students have been conducting water quality surveys of this project for many years now)


What we believe about reuse and recycling...
We accept and collect used containers from our production. Where possible, containers are reused. When damaged or unusable, we take them to a recycling center where they are shredded and used for energy generation. We also recycle all our greenhouse poly covering that is used in the plastic lumber industry. We also recycle all office wastes including paper, print, plastic and electronics.


What we believe about soil mediums...
We use a soil-less medium to produce and grow our plants. We have increased the use of leaf compost that supplies naturally occurring microrhiza to our medium while decreasing the use of native Canadian peat moss.

What we believe about fertilization, accelerated growth and forestry practices...
Appropriate fertilizer application enhances plant growth…to a point. We stop all fertilization by the end of July so our plants respond to naturally occurring growth cycles in early fall. The plants "harden off" naturally making them more winter hardy.

What we don't believe...
Trees should not be "forced" late into the season or year-round with excessive fertilization and grow lights as plants are not properly hardened off for fall plantings. Sound forestry experience dictates that trees grown too fast in the nursery are subject to breakage from ice and snow damage.

What we believe about root-to-shoot ratios and container sizes...
Sound nursery principals dictate that trees should have the proper root-to-shoot ratio in appropriate size containers. We comply with all federal and state regulations regarding proper advertising regarding container sizes and use appropriate size containers to maintain proper root- to-shoot ratios.


What we don't believe...
Excessively tall trees grown in small containers are susceptible to girdling roots and wind throw when planted. Inconsistent advertising of pot sizes within the industry harms the consumer and the industry by failing to provide consistent comparative information for the consumer to make informed choices.

What we believe about ecological principals...
It is a basic ecological principal that trees of a local or regional provenance are better adapted to those conditions. Plants grown for environmental and conservation plantings should be planted within the same physiologic and hardiness zone.

What we believe about production techniques...
Production methods that encourage superior root development including multi-step air- root pruning methods and containers produce stronger, healthy plants with increased survival rates especially when compared to bare root.


What we have learned...
The issues identified above are not only what we believe, but are supported by what we've learned as an industry leader in native plant production for over 18 years, and through important mutually beneficial relationships with our valued customers. Your feedback has helped us produce consistent, quality plant material and we will continue to respond to your needs in the future.