HCSWCD’s Native Plant Sale Choose From 16 Native Trees & Shrubs
Welcome to Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District’s annual native tree and shrub sale for 2025-2026. This year we have 16 exciting varieties, 11 of which are keystone plants, vital to our local habitats.
If you've never tried bare-root planting, you're in for a pleasant surprise! These plants are not only more economical than their potted counterparts, but they also offer better transplant success without the root-bound issues common in container plants. Because they're grown locally and shipped without soil, there's no risk of importing pests or diseases into your landscape. Best of all, bare-root plants often outgrow potted plants by the end of their first season, giving you a healthier, stronger start. The key to success is simple: store them in a cool, dark place with moist (but not soaked) wrapping until you're ready to plant in April or early May when the soil crumbles easily in your hand. Be patient—leaves will appear by late May, and your new plants will be well on their way to thriving.
Why We Focus on Native Trees and Shrubs
We strongly encourage choosing native trees and shrubs whenever possible (all of our sale species are native to Maine, or soon will be with changing temperatures). Native plants are perfectly adapted to our local climate and provide essential food and habitat for Maine's wildlife and pollinators. They're naturally hardy, won't become invasive, and serve as key food sources throughout the seasons.
Whether you're planting a single tree or creating a backyard wildlife haven, bare-root natives are an excellent, affordable way to support local biodiversity. Visit our sale to learn more about proper planting techniques, and check out the Arbor Day Foundation's helpful video at https://www.arborday.org/trees/planting/bare-root.cfm for complete planting instructions.
We can't wait to help you get growing this spring! As a special bonus, each customer who orders will receive a free American Chestnut seedling. Also, since we order in bulk, there are extra plants so each customer to can choose a couple freebies.
Plant Sale Information 2025-2026
Our annual sales begin in December and orders are taken through January 15th. The plant order pick-ups will be the first week in May to ensure optimal plant viability during the sale window.
Timeline:
Place orders up until January 15th, 2026.
Gift Certificates are available upon request (207-667-8663 or hcswcdinfo@hancockcountyswcd.org)
Plant sale for picking up orders is scheduled in the spring for May 1st and 2nd
Once you’ve decided on your selection(s), you can either Order Online or Print an Order Form. When you order by check it saves the District transaction and bank transfer fees so check are welcome. Simply print out the order form (or request one be mailed to you, or pick one up at 474 Bucksport Road, Ellsworth) and mail the form in with your check, payable to HCSWCD.
Ordering instructions for printed order form:
Open the order form
Print out and fill in.
Mail checks payable to HCSWCD to: HCSWCD 474 Bucksport Road, Ellsworth, ME
Volunteer opportunity - It’s all hands on deck with the bare-root seedlings arrive!
If you would like to participate in the plant sale for Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District, we are looking for volunteers who can help us tag the delivered species and bundle up the orders. Last year, we had over 800 plants and 60 orders to fulfill. All hands on deck helps us get the plants turned around to their new owners as soon as possible, helping to ensure optimal viability. The orders will be delivered during the last week of April, with the sale happening just a few days later.
If you would like to volunteer, please complete our volunteer sign up form or call 207-667-8663 to have one mailed or emailed to you.
Thank you!
Information on how to select, plant, and care for bare root seedlings
Check out the following resources to learn about caring for your bare root seedlings:
Information on each species
Please enjoy perusing the slide presentation below and find a printable and fillable form below that. You can click anywhere on the slideshow to disable page turning, then you can browse at your leisure. You can click on the arrows at bottom left to move from slide to slide.