We apologize for the inconvenience of switching dates for the 2026 Spring Tree Sale.
Here are some frequent questions asked about the rescheduling. 
 

Question 1: Why are the pick-up dates for Spring Tree Sale being delayed? 
 

Answer 1: Due to winter’s extended stay, some of our nursery locations are still buried under several feet of snow and they are unable to harvest the trees at this time. The decision to delay the pick-up was made in conjunction with our nurseries and our neighboring conservation districts. We are confident that the two-week delay will provide enough of a warming window to allow for snow to melt and the ground to thaw so the young trees can be harvested and delivered in time for pick-up. 

Question 2: I can’t make the new pick-up date, but don’t want to cancel my order. How can I pick-up my items? 

Answer 2: We understand schedules can be difficult to rearrange. We recommend you find someone else to pick-up your order for you, if possible. They just have to give us your name at pick-up. 
Alternatively, if you are unable to make the new pick-up dates, we will be able to hold orders at our office for a maximum of one (1) week after the scheduled pick-up dates. Orders can only be collected from our office during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 8am - 4pm. Office address: USDA Service Center, 420 N Hooper St., Kingsford, MI 49802.
 

For Coleman customers: We will be at the pick-up location (Coleman High School Parking Lot) from 10 am - 12pm on May 9th. If you have not collected your order by 11:45am we will call you directly to discuss your pick-up. 
If you are able to pick up your trees that day, but not until a later time, we are able to leave your trees at the location, tucked away at the corner of the parking lot by the greenhouse. However, your items will be unattended and unsecure, and we are not responsible for loss of items.  Alternatively, you would need to come to our office in Kingsford, MI. Orders can only be collected from our office during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 8am - 4pm.
 

We strongly encourage you to find someone else to pick-up your order during the designated pick-up window if you are not able. 

Question 3: I would prefer to cancel my order and would like a refund. How do I do that? 

Answer 3: Refunds are processed manually. Donations and processing fees are non-refundable. Please contact Dana Nelson at dickinsoncd@macd.org or call at 906-828-3854

​

Question 4: Will the delayed pick-up impact the survivability of my plants? Is there anything different when it comes to planting? 

Answer 4: Survivability of plants should not be impacted by the delay. All of the plants will be shipped and sorted the week prior to pick-up as in years past. They won’t be spending extra time out of the ground. 

However, please keep in mind that temperatures will likely be warmer in early May than they are at the end of April. This means there is a greater chance that young trees may break dormancy and start budding or leafing out. Plants can be planted after budding or leafing out, but they are more susceptible to planting shock and will need some extra care and attention up front. While dormancy is ideal, newly leafed-out trees can thrive if planted promptly, as they are more sensitive to dry conditions during this stage. 
 

Tips for Planting Trees with Broken Buds

• Plant Immediately: Get them in the ground as soon as possible to minimize stress.

• Keep Roots Moist: Do not let roots dry out. Keep them hydrated, but avoid waterlogging.

• Avoid Fertilizer: Do not fertilize newly planted, tender trees as it can cause more harm than good.

• Protection: If you cannot plant them immediately, keep them in a cool, dark place (like a garage) and ensure the roots are moist. Conifer plugs can be stored in a refrigerator to maintain dormancy, as long as it does not get too cold (34° to 40°F is ideal). Do not refrigerate plugs if they have broken dormancy! ​​
   

Question 5: What if my site is not plantable yet? I.e. still snow covered, frozen ground, etc. 

Answer 5: Please refer to the plant storage solutions provided below. 
 

Short-Term Storage (1–4 Days)

• Keep Packed: Keep roots in their original packing material and plastic bag.

• Keep Cool & Dark: Place in a cold, shaded area like a garage, basement, or shed.

• Check Moisture: Check if the packing media is dry, and mist with water if necessary, but do not make it dripping wet.

• Transport Safety: Never leave bags in direct sun or in hot vehicles. 
   

Long-Term Storage (5+ Days – "Heeling In")

• If you cannot plant within a few days, you should "heel in" the seedlings to keep them alive for up to a few weeks: 

• Select Location: Find a shaded, sheltered spot.

• Dig a Trench: Dig a V-shaped trench deep enough for the roots.

• Prepare Roots: Remove plastic packaging and soak roots in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours.

• Cover Roots: Lay seedlings at an angle, covering roots completely with loose soil or sawdust.

• Water: Water the soil/sawdust to keep it consistently moist, but not waterlogged. 

The key to long-term storage of live plants is to keep them cool and damp. You do not want to let the roots dry out, but take care not to over water or create conditions for mold to grow. 
If your plants do develop mold, they can still be planted but may require a bit of extra care. Light, fuzzy white mold is often just surface fungus that can be washed off, but mushy, black, or foul-smelling roots indicate root rot.
 

Steps to Take Before Planting:

• Wash the Roots: Gently wash off any visible white mold from the roots with water.

• Trim Damaged Roots: Cut away any black, mushy, or slimy roots, as these are likely decaying.

• Improve Drainage: Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage, as mold often grows due to waterlogged soil. 

• When to Avoid Planting:

  • If the mold is accompanied by a foul, swampy odor or if the majority of the root system is black, slimy, and falling apart, the tree likely won't survive. 

Again, we deeply apologize for the inconvenience this delay may have caused. 
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at dickinsoncd@macd.org or by calling (906) 828-3854. 

We appreciate your support and wish you a successful planting season! 
 

​