Shipping policy

Where we ship

We ship to the lower 48 states only (Excluding California, Alaska, and Hawaii)
Our bare root seedlings are offered for planting in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. If you're unsure of your zone, please verify before ordering.

Because we ship bare-root seedlings, we ship only while trees are dormant to protect root health and ensure the best planting success.

Spring shipping (Zones 5–9):

Zone 9: Jan 15 – Mar 15
Zone 8: Feb 1 – Mar 31
Zone 7: Feb 15 – Apr 1
Zone 6: Mar 1 – Apr 15
Zone 5: Mar 15 – Apr 30

Fall / winter shipping (from our Zone 8a nursery):

We typically begin fall shipping after dormancy (usually late November, depending on weather and leaf drop).
Zone 9: Late Nov – Feb
Zone 8: Late Nov – Late Jan
Zone 7: Early Dec – Late Dec (limited window)
Zones 6–5: Spring shipping only is usually recommended from our Zone 8a nursery (by the time our stock is dormant, many colder-zone soils are near freezing).

Important: Shipping windows are guidelines. Weather varies by year and location, and we may hold shipments to protect your trees.

Weather delays (we protect your trees)

We may delay shipping during extreme conditions, including:

Hard freezes along the route or at the delivery location
Severe storms

Unseasonably warm weather that risks breaking dormancy in transit

If we place a weather hold, we’ll ship as soon as conditions are safe.

Processing time

Seedling orders are typically processed on Sundays during shipping season with shipments going out on Mondays to minimize transit time and weekend delays.
Tree tube orders are typically processed in 1 to 3 days.

Shipping methods + transit time

We ship via [UPS/FedEx] depending on box size and destination.
Typical transit time is [1–4 business days] after shipment.
You’ll receive tracking once your order ships.

Shipping rates

Shipping rates are shown at checkout based on your cart contents and destination.

Our current structure:

Orders under $50: shipping is calculated at checkout
Orders $50–$199: flat rate $12.99 shipping
Orders $200+: free shipping

Important Shipping Note: Tree stakes ship in a separate package due to size and weight. If your order includes stakes + seedlings/supplies, you may see two shipping charges at checkout. The $12.99 flat-rate shipping (orders $50–$199) and free shipping (orders $200+) apply to seedlings/supplies only—stake shipping is calculated separately.

Multiple boxes / split shipments

Some orders ship in more than one box (for example, trees and accessories). If your order ships in multiple packages:

You may see multiple tracking numbers
Packages may arrive on different days

Correct shipping address required

Please double-check your shipping address at checkout.

We are not responsible for delays or losses due to incorrect addresses.
If a package is returned due to an address issue, reshipping will require an additional shipping charge.

Live arrival / damage in transit

We package carefully, but shipping is tough on live plants. If your order arrives damaged:

Take photos of the box and trees immediately (before planting)
Email us within 24 hours of delivery at whiteoakorchard25@gmail.com
Include your order number and photos

We’ll work with you on a replacement or resolution when issues are documented promptly.

Local pickup

Local pickup is available at our location in Trenton, South Carolina. If enabled, you’ll see it at checkout. We’ll contact you with pickup instructions after your order is placed.

Item added to your cart