What Is Required to Start a Small Tree Nursery?

Tree nurseries are great moneymakers, so plan accordingly. Whether producing in containers or directly in the field, plan on spending a lot of manual labor time. Nurseries require a lot of work. A small tree nursery can be started directly at home if you have a customer-friendly location with plenty of room.

Land

To start a small tree nursery, you will have to have a good location, plenty of room, access to irrigation water, and a place easy to approach. Many use their own property, and there are several benefits, as renting or buying another location can be hard for a new business.

Business License

You will need a business license. Some states also require a nursery license. Check your city and state requirements. A resale license lets you buy and sell wholesale.  You can get this from your local sales tax office.

Production Method

Trees can be grown through container or field production. If you decide on containers, you will need to purchase in bulk. Containers are easier in some ways, but you will have to water your trees more often in hot weather, they are more sensitive to temperature changes when not in the ground. Field production is very hard work with having to dig the holes in the ground, and limitations on when you can grow seedlings.

Tree Stock

The trees you plan keeping in stock is something you should decide on before starting a business. Although there is a wide variety available you might want to start with trees that grow well in the area, and decide if you will purchase these wholesale or grow your own.

Business Office

You will need an office to keep track of expenses and all business matters. Have a business computer, phone line, fax, printer and file storage. You will also need some type of inventory software to keep track of your stock, as well as profits. An answering machine will be extremely useful, since you will be spending a lot of time in your nursery, and this can keep potential customers in touch. If working from home, consider a cordless phone to take outside with you.