Shipping policy

Where we ship

  • We currently ship within the contiguous United States, excluding California.
  • We do not ship to Alaska or Hawaii.
  • Our bare root seedlings are offered for planting in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9.
  • Please verify your USDA Hardiness Zone and the recommendations shown on each product page before ordering.
  • We do not currently ship bare-root seedlings to Zone 5.

Because bare-root seedlings must be shipped while dormant, our shipping schedule is designed to protect root health and support successful establishment.

Dormant-Season Seedling Shipping

All dates are estimated shipping windows. Weather, nursery conditions and seedling dormancy vary from year to year. Shipping may begin later or end earlier than the dates shown if necessary to protect the trees.

Spring shipping (Zones 6–9):

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

Fall and Winter Shipping

Fall shipping from our Zone 8a nursery generally begins after the seedlings become fully dormant, usually in late November. The exact starting date depends on weather and natural leaf drop.

  • Zone 9: Late November–late January
  • Zone 8: Late November–late January
  • Zone 7: Late November–mid-December, subject to weather
  • Zone 6: Spring shipping only is generally recommended because colder-zone soil may be near freezing by the time our nursery stock becomes dormant.

White Oak Orchard may advance, delay or temporarily hold a shipment when necessary to protect seedling health.

    Weather delays (we protect your trees)

    We may delay shipping because of unsafe or unfavorable conditions, including:

    • Hard freezes along the shipping route or at the destination
    • Severe storms or carrier disruptions
    • Unseasonably warm weather
    • Conditions that could cause seedlings to break dormancy or suffer damage during transit

    Orders placed on weather hold will ship as soon as conditions are suitable.

    Processing Times

    • During shipping season, seedling orders are generally processed on Sundays and shipped on Mondays to reduce weekend transit delays.
    • Tree-tube and planting-supply orders are generally processed within one to three business days.
    • Processing times may be longer during peak season, severe weather or unusually high order volume.

    Processing time is separate from carrier transit time.

    Shipping Methods and Transit Times

    We ship using UPS or FedEx, depending on package size, destination and available service.

    Typical transit time is one to four business days after the package leaves our nursery. Carrier transit times are estimates and are not guaranteed.

    Customers receive tracking information after an order ships.

    Shipping Rates

    Shipping charges are displayed at checkout based on the order contents and destination.

    Our current shipping structure for eligible seedlings and supplies is:

    • Orders under $50: Shipping calculated at checkout
    • Orders from $50 through $199.99: $12 flat-rate shipping
    • Orders of $200 or more: Free shipping

    Tree-Stake Shipping

    Tree stakes ship separately because of their size and weight. When an order includes stakes and seedlings or other supplies, separate shipping charges may apply.

    The $12 flat rate and free-shipping offer apply to eligible seedlings and supplies only. Tree-stake shipping is calculated separately.

    Multiple Packages and Split Shipments

    Some orders may be shipped in more than one package, particularly orders containing both trees and accessories.

    When an order is split:

    • More than one tracking number may be provided.
    • Packages may arrive on different days.
    • Shipping charges may be calculated separately when oversized products are included.

    Correct Shipping Address Required

    Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate delivery address.

    Please review the shipping address carefully before completing checkout. Additional shipping charges may apply if an order must be redirected or reshipped because the address provided at checkout was incorrect or incomplete.

    Orders returned because of an incorrect or incomplete address do not qualify for a refund of the original shipping charges.

    Seedling Damage or Problems at Delivery

    Inspect seedlings immediately after delivery and before planting.

    Damage, severe drying or an incorrect species must be reported within 48 hours of delivery. Email whiteoakorchard25@gmail.com and include:

    • The order number
    • Photographs of the shipping box
    • Photographs of the shipping label
    • Clear photographs of the affected seedlings

    Claims submitted after 48 hours may be denied.

    When an arrival claim is documented promptly and approved, White Oak Orchard will provide, at its discretion, a replacement tree when available or store credit. Cash refunds are not issued for seedling arrival claims.

    Additional terms and exclusions are provided in our Return and Refund Policy and Better Trees Promise.

    Local pickup

    Local pickup is available at our location in Trenton, South Carolina, when offered at checkout.

    We will contact the customer with pickup instructions after the order is placed. Please wait for confirmation that the order is ready before arriving.

    Questions?

    For questions about shipping or an existing order, email whiteoakorchard25@gmail.com.