Planning Ahead: How Seasonal Stock Trends Could Impact Your Supply Chain.
Why forward planning matters for large-scale planting.
Demand for advanced tree stock is growing fast – but supply is largely seasonal. That means for brokers and landscapers, timing your orders is just as critical as selecting the right species.
Order too late, and you could face delays, unavailable stock, incorrect sizes, or rushed substitutes, derailing your timelines and blowing out your budget.
In this article, we’ll break down how seasonal trends affect supply and share practical tips to help you stay ahead of the game.
Understanding the nursery supply cycle.
It might sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: trees and shrubs don’t grow overnight. Many take months or even years to reach market size.
That’s why wholesale nurseries operate on growing calendars tied to seasonal conditions like rainfall, heat and, in some cases, soil health. While some expert growers can manage soil quality and irrigation, seasonal cycles still impact availability and quality.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect across the year:
Spring – flush growth, high demand, peak planting season.
Summer – irrigation challenges, potential heat stress.
Autumn – one of the best times for planting.
Winter – bare stock root availability, but slower growth.
Understanding this cycle helps you make informed decisions and build realistic timelines into your project.
Why last-minute ordering doesn’t work.
It’s tempting to leave plant orders until the last minute as you can easily see what trees look like when in season or fully grown – but with large-scale or advanced stock, that rarely works out.
Popular species like Tristaniopsis or Eucalyptus varieties can sell out quickly. Smaller nurseries, in particular, may not have the volume to meet late-stage demand.
Waiting too long could mean missing out completely or settling for unsuitable, often more expensive, substitutes.
Missed windows also affect delivery. Peak seasons like spring and autumn see tight freight schedules and higher transport costs, especially for urgent requests.
Trends to watch: what’s in high demand?
Knowing what’s popular helps you plan smarter and avoid supply bottlenecks. Right now, these species categories are moving fast:
Drought-tolerant natives - increasingly preferred by councils and contractors for water-wise planting.
Feature trees for subdivisions - valued for visual impact, shade, and structure in residential developments.
Medium-height exotics for public space - offering balance, resilience and seasonal interest without overpowering a smaller site.
Across all categories, climate-resilient trees are often booked out early due to lower maintenance costs and strong performance in tough conditions.
Tip: Keep an eye on planting schedules across local councils - tracking these can give you an edge when forecasting availability and securing supply early.
How planning protects your project.
Getting the right stock at the right time is crucial - and strong nursery relationships make it possible.
With early planning, you can:
Lock in species and quantities months in advance
Minimise variation in tree size, maturity and form
Align planting with site prep — including soil, irrigation and access
Avoid last-minute freight surcharges or supply gaps
You’ll also have time to discuss substitutes, manage delivery staging, and ensure a consistent outcome across all stages of your landscape.
Solutions for smoother supply.
Here are four simple tips from the experts on the best way to prevent headaches and delays:
Contract growing: Locking in your species and quantities early to guarantee you get the right stock, at the right size, when you need it.
Regular communication: Staying in touch with your grower so you’re the first to know about stock updates, substitutions or delays.
Diversified sourcing: Work with nurseries that offer consistent supply and responsive service across species.
Pre-booking deliveries: Schedule stock to arrive when your site is ready — not weeks too early or too late.
Building supply chain confidence.
Successful planting projects rely on smart planning, instead of scrambling when stock runs low.
Whether you’re sourcing for a civic streetscape or a 200-lot subdivision, the earlier you book your trees, the more control you’ll have over availability, size and timing.
That means better on-site results, less team stress, and a stronger outcome for your client or community.
Partnering with a wholesale nursery like Arboretum Farm gives you more than just trees. You get a supply partner who understands project timelines, planning pressure and the realities of commercial planting.
Need help planning your next order?
Explore our current stocklist or get in touch for availability, contract growing options or species advice tailored to your timeline and site.
