In forestry, results aren’t measured in months, they’re measured in decades.
Every planting decision you make today carries forward for 20, 25, even 30 years. That’s why the genetics behind your seedlings matter, and more importantly, where those genetics come from.
At ArborGen, our work isn’t built on short-term trials or recent breakthroughs. It’s built on generations of research, collaboration, and real-world testing that began long before ArborGen itself was formed.
A Foundation Rooted in Industry Leaders
ArborGen was created in 2000 as a partnership between some of the most respected names in forestry:
- International Paper
- WestRock (formerly MWV)
- Rubicon (Fletcher Challenge)
But the story goes even deeper.
The data, breeding programs, and research that power ArborGen today are the result of decades of work from legacy organizations, including:
- Champion International
- Carter Holt Harvey
- CellFor
- Fletcher Challenge
These weren’t just companies, they were pioneers in forestry research, each contributing to a growing body of knowledge around genetics, silviculture, and seedling performance.
When these efforts came together under ArborGen, they formed something unique: one of the most comprehensive forestry genetics programs in the world.
Generations of Genetic Progress
Tree improvement doesn’t happen overnight.
Each generation of seedlings is the result of careful selection, controlled breeding, and years of field testing. The best-performing trees are selected, crossed, and tested again – continuously improving traits that matter most to landowners.
Over time, this process has led to measurable gains in:
- Growth rate and productivity
- Disease resistance, including fusiform rust
- Stem straightness and form
- Stress tolerance across varying environments
- Wood quality for higher-value end products
This is the foundation behind ArborGen’s advanced products, including MCP® seedlings and the data that supports tools like the AG Score.
From Research to Real-World Results
Today, ArborGen operates a fully integrated research and production network headquartered in Summerville, South Carolina, including:
- Seven nurseries
- Six orchards
- Advanced product development facilities
- Distribution networks across the southeastern United States
But what truly sets ArborGen apart isn’t just the scale, it’s the continuity of research.
Our current product development teams are building on decades of prior work, continuing to refine and improve:
- Genetic gain
- Yield potential
- Site adaptability
- Long-term performance outcomes
This means every new generation of seedlings benefits not just from today’s research – but from everything that came before it.
Why “Built Over Decades” Matters to You
In a world where new technologies can emerge quickly, it’s easy to focus on what’s new.
But in forestry, time is the ultimate proving ground.
The difference between short-term data and decades of research can directly impact:
- Survival rates
- Stand uniformity
- Time to harvest
- Overall return on investment
When you choose ArborGen seedlings, you’re not just choosing a product, you’re choosing a program backed by years of validated performance data across real-world conditions.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
The forestry industry is constantly evolving – and so are we.
ArborGen continues to invest in research focused on:
- Improved growth and yield
- Enhanced disease resistance
- Greater resilience to environmental stress
- Higher-quality wood fiber
Because while our foundation was built over decades, our focus is always on the future.
See the Results of Decades of Research
All of this work – generations of breeding, testing, and validation – comes together in the tools and products we offer today.
Explore how we measure and apply this data through the AG Score and our advanced genetic products.