Seedlings for Restoration, Habitat & Diversified Land Management

Not every planting project is focused solely on timber production. ArborGen’s hardwood and specialty seedlings support a wide range of land management objectives, including wildlife habitat, conservation, restoration, erosion control, recreational property management, and long-term land stewardship.

From hardwood bottomland restoration to specialty pine applications, our team can help you select species suited to your property, site conditions, and long-term goals.

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Hardwood & Specialty Seedlings

Not every planting project is focused solely on timber production. ArborGen’s hardwood and specialty seedlings support a wide range of land management objectives, including wildlife habitat, conservation, restoration, erosion control, recreational property management, and long-term land stewardship.

From hardwood bottomland restoration to specialty pine applications, our team can help you select species suited to your property, site conditions, and long-term goals.

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Planting Goals We Support

Wildlife Habitat

Support food sources, cover, and long-term habitat diversity.

Conservation & Restoration

Restore native ecosystems and improve environmental resilience.

Diversified Land Management

Create a balanced property strategy beyond traditional pine production.

Recreational & Hunting Properties

Enhance habitat quality and long-term recreational value.

Wetland & Bottomland Plantings

Species adapted for wetter soils and flood-prone conditions.

Hardwood Seedlings for a Variety of Site Conditions & Objectives

ArborGen offers a range of hardwood species selected to support restoration projects, wildlife habitat, conservation initiatives, and diversified land management strategies throughout the Southeast.

Species availability may vary by region and season.

Oak Species

Best for wildlife habitat, mast production, and long-term hardwood management. Includes:

Cherrybark Oak

Live Oak

Northern Red Oak

Nuttall Oak

Overcup Oak

Pin Oak

Sawtooth Oak

Shumard Oak

Southern Red Oak

Swamp Chestnut Oak

Swamp White Oak

Water Oak

White Oak

Willow Oak

Bottomland & Wet Site Species

Adapted for wetter soils and restoration-focused planting projects. Includes:

Bald Cypress

Overcup Oak

Water Hickory

Sugarberry

Specialty & Wildlife Species

Selected for habitat diversity, food production, and recreational property management. Includes:

Native Pecan 

Persimmon 

Sweetgum

Specialty Pine Options

ArborGen also offers specialty pine species designed for specific site conditions, restoration objectives, and management strategies.

Longleaf Pine

Ideal for restoration-focused projects, wildlife habitat, and fire-adapted ecosystems.

Virginia Pine

Well-suited for colder climates, reclamation projects, and certain upland conditions.

Pitch x Loblolly Pine

A hybrid option developed for improved cold tolerance and adaptability in select regions.

Not Sure Which Species Are Right for Your Property?

Site conditions, water availability, wildlife goals, soil type, and long-term management objectives all play a role in selecting the right hardwood or specialty species.

Our Reforestation Advisors work directly with landowners and forestry professionals to recommend solutions tailored to your property and goals.

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Forestry Consultant Steven Peter of South Paw Forest Products on results, satisfaction, and trust.
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Forestry Consultant Clay Creed, on his success with MCP® seedlings.

Frequently Asked Questions

From wildlife habitat and restoration projects to specialty pine applications and diversified land management strategies, selecting the right species can raise a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions landowners and forestry professionals ask when planning hardwood and specialty seedling projects.

Many hardwood species provide valuable food sources, cover, and habitat diversity for wildlife. Oaks are especially popular for wildlife plantings because of their acorn production, while species like persimmon, pecan, and sugarberry can also support a variety of wildlife species.

The best option depends on your region, soil conditions, and long-term habitat goals.

Species like Bald Cypress, Overcup Oak, Water Hickory, and certain bottomland oak species are often well-suited for wetter soils and flood-prone conditions. Selecting species adapted to your site conditions is important for long-term survival and stand success.

Several oak species are commonly used for wildlife and deer habitat projects, including Sawtooth Oak, Nuttall Oak, Swamp Chestnut Oak, and White Oak. Different species produce acorns at varying times and perform best under different site conditions.

A mix of species is often recommended to support long-term habitat diversity and food availability.

Longleaf Pine is commonly selected for restoration-focused projects, wildlife habitat, and fire-adapted ecosystems, while Loblolly Pine is often favored for productivity and timber-focused management.

Longleaf Pine typically requires different establishment and management practices but can provide excellent long-term habitat and ecosystem benefits.

Hardwood seedlings are typically planted during the dormant season, usually from late fall through winter, depending on region and weather conditions. Proper site preparation, soil moisture, and planting practices all play an important role in successful establishment.

The best species for restoration projects depend on the site’s natural ecosystem, soil conditions, hydrology, and long-term management goals. Bottomland hardwoods, Longleaf Pine, Bald Cypress, and native oak species are commonly used in restoration and conservation-focused planting projects throughout the Southeast.

Yes. In addition to wildlife and conservation benefits, many hardwood species can contribute to long-term property value, recreational use, habitat diversity, and future management flexibility. Planting strategies often depend on the goals of the landowner and the intended use of the property.

Pitch x Loblolly Pine is a hybrid pine developed to combine the productivity of Loblolly Pine with improved cold tolerance and adaptability from Pitch Pine genetics. These hybrids are often used in regions where environmental conditions may challenge traditional southern pine performance.

Factors like soil type, drainage, wildlife objectives, region, long-term management goals, and site conditions all influence species selection. ArborGen Reforestation Advisors work directly with landowners and forestry professionals to recommend species tailored to each property and planting objective. 

Get ArborGen's 2026 Seedling Catalog INSTANTLY!

From advanced MCP® genetics to hardwood and specialty seedlings, our product catalog provides a deeper look at the solutions available for your land and goals.

Seedling Care & Planting Guide

A practical guide covering seedling handling, storage, planting techniques, and best practices designed to help support successful stand establishment in the field.

Daily Seedling Planting Log

A printable tracking tool designed to help planting crews and forestry professionals monitor daily planting conditions, seedling handling, weather, and operational details throughout planting season.

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