Nursery Stock Inspection Requirements

General Inspection Requirements

All nursery stock produced in the state must be inspected each year by an MDARD inspector.  Growers may only sell or move nursery stock from one location to another that meets inspection requirements.  MDARD will issue a certificate of inspection for nursery stock that passes the inspection.  These requirements include being free of pests and diseases, including freedom from regulated weeds.   MDARD will time inspections based on the species of nursery stock grown, taking into account the life cycle of pests that are known to attack the plants.  Growers must arrange for an inspection of their nursery stock or herbaceous perennials by contacting the MDARD Nursery Program Manager, Mike Bryan, at (517) 241-2977 or by Email.

Special Inspection Requirements

• Raspberry and Strawberry Plants requires two inspections during the growing season. Growers of strawberry or raspberry plants that have not had plants inspected the previous year must arrange for inspection by April 1st.
• Blueberry plants or scion wood intended for shipment intrastate or interstate must be accompanied by a certificate showing that they are free from stunt virus and other diseases and pests.
• Native perennials, shrubs, and trees must be inspected on the premises before moving them to another property. An inspection certificate in addition to a native tree tag issued by MDARD must accompany native plant materials.
• Fruit tree or grape propagating wood sources must be inspected before cuttings are taken. Inspections are made during the growing season. The budwood certification program enables nursery operators to propagate fruit trees from certified scion wood and understock sources.
• All shipments of nursery stock, bulbs, corms, and florist plants must be inspected prior to shipment to foreign countries. Growers and dealers that intend to ship to other states should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the receiving state.