Collecting tree seed

Every tree we plant began as a seed. Minnesota faces a shortage of locally sourced, climate-adapted tree seedlings. You can help by contributing to the seed supply.

To meet demand for seedlings needed for forest regeneration, nurseries and tree growers need a steady supply of high-quality seeds from specific tree species. Seed collection is a rewarding way to participate in forest regeneration. 

There is a growing need for new people to learn this important skill, as the number of experienced collectors is dwindling. Motivated Minnesotans can learn how to collect seeds, but it does require some preparation and training. 

Seed collection should be done in response to requests made by tree nurseries or organizations working on forest regeneration. Before you begin collecting seeds, become familiar with their requirements for species selection, source location, and seed handling. 

Collectors should be knowledgeable about identifying target tree species and when their fruit and seeds are ready for collecting, and be able to tell if the seeds are still viable for growing. 

What to know before you collect seeds

Target species

• Check with the organization you’re collecting for to determine which species to target.
• Understand the timing for when those trees produce fruit or seed.

Location

• Determine what seed zone (geographic area) the organization wants you to collect from.
• Confirm you have permission to collect from your site.
  • Get permission from landowners to collect on private land.
  • Research public lands to determine what is allowed and if you need a permit.

Collection

• The tools you need will depend on the target species, site conditions, and your personal comfort level. For cut tests, you will need a collection bucket and a pair of pruners at a minimum.
• Know how to perform cut tests to determine if enough of the seeds are viable. A cut test is a simple way to check if seeds are mature and healthy by cutting them open and looking inside. You can see if the seed is fully formed, has the right color, and is free of insect damage, which helps tell if it’s ready to harvest.
  • The recipient organization may ask for 70% viability, meaning that if you cut open 10 acorns, at least 7 should be fully developed and clear of damage.
• Collect seeds from multiple parent trees to maintain good genetic diversity in the seedling stock.
• Label your collection with the location and number of parent trees from which you collected. 

Processing and storage

• Remove debris and store seeds in the correct container to ensure the proper amount of airflow or moisture is retained according to fruit/seed type.
• Check if the recipient organization requires processing, such as float tests to sort out seeds that are unlikely to grow.
• Maintain appropriate conditions during collection, short-term storage, and transport to retain viability.
• Deliver seeds as soon as possible.