< Tree Sale

Tree Sale Program: Frequently Asked Questions

  • You can order trees directly through our Tree Sale page during the active sales season.  The tree sale for 2026-27 starts 9/15/26 and ordering closes in February of 2027.

  • All trees are high-quality landscape stock with a trunk diameter of at least 1.5 inches and typically 6–10 feet tall, depending on species.

    Each season’s catalog is curated for Nashville’s soils and climate — see the current offerings on our Tree Sale page.

  • Our selections are reviewed in partnership with the Metro Tree Advisory Committee and local horticulturalists to ensure that every tree:

    • Thrives in Middle Tennessee conditions

    • Expands Nashville’s tree canopy

    • Contributes to native biodiversity

    • Avoids invasive or problem species

    To learn more about how the Tree Sale supports our conservation mission, see About NTCC & Our Mission.

  • Tree deliveries happen in batches every 30-45 days during the planting season (generally October–April).You’ll receive an email with your expected delivery and planting date — weather and nursery supply may shift schedules slightly.  If your tree has not been planted within 60 days of purchase, please contact us at help@treeconservationcorps.org for further updates on your order. If NTCC cannot complete fulfillment within a reasonable additional timeframe, you may request a full refund or store credit for that order.

    After your tree arrives, check out our Tree Planting and Care Instructions  to give it the best start.

  • Yes. All trees include curbside delivery.

     For a fee, you can also add a tree planting service.  Our team will contact 811 to mark utilities, plant your tree at your flagged location, and provide mulch — you don’t even need to be home, but please provide any codes/instructions that are needed to access your property.

    If you’d rather plant it yourself, see our Tree Planting and Care Instructions guide for step-by-step instructions.

  • Because trees are ordered and prepared in batches, cancellations are limited.
    Once an order has entered our vendor’s workflow, we may not be able to issue a refund. If you need to modify or cancel an order in progress, email help@treeconservationcorps.org as soon as possible.

    NTCC cannot guarantee that your tree will survive after planting. Tree health depends primarily on regular watering and care by the homeowner, which is outside NTCC's control once planting is complete. This is not time-limited — it applies from the date of planting onward. 

    Separately, installation concerns (e.g., incorrect planting location, planting depth, staking, or a damaged or incorrect tree at delivery) should be reported to help@treeconservationcorps.org within 30 days of your planting date. NTCC will address valid installation concerns raised within this window at no additional cost.

    The 30-day window in this section applies only to how the tree was installed. It does not extend, shorten, or otherwise apply to the tree's ongoing health or survival, which is addressed separately above and is never guaranteed.

  • Tree success depends on planting, watering, and site conditions — so we can’t guarantee survival. However, we’ll work with you if your tree struggles soon after planting, but are unable to provide replacements.

    To protect your investment:Follow the steps in our Tree Planting and Care Instructions for watering and mulching best practices.

  • Tennessee requires nonprofits to collect sales tax on tangible goods, including trees.
    NTCC operates at cost, and your purchase still directly supports canopy restoration in Davidson County.

  • Email help@treeconservationcorps.org and our team will respond as quickly as possible.

  • Most trees are balled and burlap (B&B) — grown in the ground and dug with a root ball wrapped in burlap and wire.This method reduces root binding and ensures long-term health.In spring, some species may shift to container-grown trees depending on nursery supply.

    Learn how to plant both types correctly in our Tree Planting and Care Instructions.

  • The best time to plant in Middle Tennessee is October through February when trees are dormant. Cool weather encourages strong root growth before summer heat.

    • Dig 2–3× wider than the root ball, but not deeper.

    • The root flare (where the trunk widens) should sit 1–2 inches above ground level.

    • Loosen soil on the sides for root penetration.

    • Don’t pack soil under the root ball too tightly.

    See our Tree Planting and Care Instructions  for details on B&B versus container trees.

  • For the first two years:

    • Water 2–3 times per week during dry weather.

    • Use a slow hose trickle or soaker for 20–30 minutes each time, but be careful not to overwater as well!

    • Adjust frequency based on rainfall and temperature.

    Mulching helps retain soil moisture.

    • Prune in late winter or early spring before leaves emerge.

    • Remove broken or crossing branches.

    • Avoid heavy pruning during the first growing season.

  • If your tree is B&B, you can remove the top third of the wire basket and burlap once the tree is in the hole. This prevents root girdling while keeping the root ball stable.

    • Add mulch in a 3-foot ring, 2–3 inches deep (not touching the trunk).

    • Use tree guards to prevent mower or deer damage.

    • Check stakes and ties each season to avoid girdling.

    • If a tree is leaning or falls over, replant and stake it.

  • We recommend a diverse mix of native and climate-adapted trees like oaks, maples, tulip poplar, and magnolia.

    Every year, our Tree Sale catalog  features species chosen for beauty, resilience, and habitat value.

  • Call a certified arborist if:

    • You notice major branch cracks or leaning after storms

    • Your tree shows disease, dieback, or pestsYou need pruning on large or mature trees

    See the ISA website treesaregood.org for more information and to find a certified arborist