The forestry market is changing and making the right planting decisions is more important than ever. Choosing seedlings with proven performance and measurable ROI can make all the difference in your long-term results.
Every change we make is with our customers in mind. This rebrand is about transparency, trust, and helping landowners and foresters make the most informed, confident decisions possible.
We know you’ve had questions and we are listening. My team has heard from many of you over the last few weeks since we announced this genetic recategorization and rebrand and I wanted to take the time to share some of the answers to your most asked questions.
Q: Why did ArborGen change its pine product categories?
In short: to make your decision process easier and more informed.
We know that you are looking for clear, straightforward information — not complex codes or family names that are hard to differentiate. Our new categories highlight genetic improvement levels so you can quickly identify which seedlings best fit your site, budget, and goals.
At the end of the day, a changing market means success depends on using superior seedlings with a proven return on investment. This rebrand helps you identify those options faster and with confidence.
Q: What are the new product categories?
You’ll now see five simple, intuitive tiers that reflect the level of genetic control and performance potential:
- OP (Open Pollinated): Trusted, regionally adapted seedlings that provide reliable performance.
- OP Pro: Selected open-pollinated families that consistently outperform standard OP — delivering better uniformity, growth, and survival.
- MCP® (Mass Control Pollinated): ArborGen’s long-standing benchmark for quality and consistency — proven genetics from controlled pollination.
- MCP® Pro: MCP® families that show enhanced gains in volume, form, and disease resistance.
- MCP® Pro+: The top tier — our very best performing MCP® families, consistently ranking highest across all key traits for sawtimber in every region.
This structure makes it easy to see the “good, better, best” progression and choose what fits your specific operation and return goals.
Q: What is the AG Scoring System, and how does it work?
The AG Scoring System is ArborGen’s proprietary way of taking years of research and field data and turning it into something simple and useful for you.
Each family is evaluated on key traits like volume gain, rust resistance, stem straightness, and reduced forking — all based on region-specific trials. We combine that data into one clear number: the AG Score.
The higher the AG Score, the higher the expected performance. It’s a quick, transparent way to compare products and select the seedlings that deliver the best combinations of growth and tree quality. And that equals more sawtimber for you!
Q: The trees that I have now — what category do they fall into?
That’s an excellent question, and we’re here to help you figure it out.
If you’ve purchased from ArborGen before, your trees can easily be matched to the new naming system. Just reach out to your Reforestation Advisor, and we’ll confirm which new category your current seedlings belong to.
We’ll make sure you know exactly how your previous selections align with the new lineup — so you can keep planting with confidence.
Q: How does this affect pricing or ordering?
The rebrand will not cause any major changes for customers. Pricing and availability remain stable, with only minor adjustments in some regions. Ordering logistics will stay the same and customers can continue using the same process they’re familiar with.
You’ll still receive the same high-quality seedlings you know and trust — just under a simpler, clearer system.
Q: Did the seedlings themselves change?
No — the genetics are the same proven performers our customers have relied on for years.
What’s changed is how we communicate their performance. Our goal is to make it easier to understand your options and the genetic advantages behind them — so you can make confident, informed choices with full transparency.
Q: How does this benefit me as a landowner or forester?
Better data means better decisions; and better decisions lead to stronger stands and higher returns.
This rebrand and the AG Scoring System give you:
- A clearer way to compare seedlings
- Transparent performance data backed by science
- Guidance from trusted Reforestation Advisors
- The confidence that you’re planting for both today’s goals and tomorrow’s success
When your seedlings perform better, your forest does too — and that’s a win for you and your land.
Q: How can I find the right product for my region?
Your ArborGen Reforestation Advisor is your best resource. They can walk you through AG Scores, explain regional differences, and help match your site to the best category and family for your goals.
You can also explore our website for product details and upcoming webinars — or subscribe to our TreeLines newsletter to stay up to date on performance data, customer success stories, and regional recommendations.
Q: What’s next for ArborGen?
This update is part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, transparency, and customer success.
We’ll continue refining our research, expanding regional trials, and delivering tools that make reforestation decisions simpler, smarter, and more profitable.
Authored by Jason Watson
Jason Watson is the ArborGen Director of United States Sales.
Before becoming the Director of U.S. Sales five years ago, he was the Reforestation Advisor in South Carolina for eight years. Jason is a forester and a forest landowner who has been in the industry for over 25 years.
