111421 - Nursery and Tree Production

The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the economy, driving growth, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. One important segment within this industry is covered by NAICS code 111421 - Nursery and Tree Production. This industry classification plays a pivotal role in horticulture, landscaping, and forestry-related businesses across the United States. Whether you are a business owner, contractor, or simply interested in agricultural industries, understanding this NAICS code is essential for compliance, marketing, and growth.

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What is NAICS Code 111421 - Nursery and Tree Production?

NAICS code 111421 includes establishments primarily engaged in the growing of nursery products such as trees, shrubs, and plants meant for transplanting, landscaping, or ornamental uses. This industry also covers businesses that produce seeds and bulbs for these types of plants. Products range from ornamental shrubs to commercial tree crops and specialized horticultural materials.

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Sector: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting

NAICS 111421 falls under the broad sector of Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, a critical component of the U.S. economy that promotes sustainable natural resource management and agricultural productivity.

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Key Activities under NAICS 111421

Businesses within this code engage in a variety of cultivation and production activities, including but not limited to:

• Azalea farming
• Christmas tree growing
• Corms farming
• Field nurseries for flowers and shrubbery
• Flower bulb growing
• Fruit stock (plants, seedlings, trees) growing
• Herbaceous perennial growing
• Nursery stock growing
• Nursery with tree production (excluding reforestation)
• Preseeded mat farming
• Propagation material farming
• Rose bush growing
• Short rotation woody tree growing (cycles of 10 years or less)
• Shrubbery farming
• Sod farming
• Tissue culture farming
• Tree crop farming, excluding forestry
• Turf farming

Businesses can specialize in one or more of these activities based on their operational focus.

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Size Standards for NAICS Code 111421

For companies seeking government contracts or qualifying for SBA programs, understanding size standards is crucial. For NAICS 111421, the small business size standard is:

• $3.25 million in average annual receipts

This standard helps determine eligibility for small business certifications and program participation.

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Examples of Businesses Classified Under NAICS 111421

Some typical business types and activities that fall within this classification include:

• Commercial tree nurseries
• Ornamental plant growers
• Shrub and vine producers

These businesses contribute significantly to landscaping, commercial agriculture, and home gardening industries.

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Detailed Breakdown of NAICS Code 111421 Activities

Code Details	Description
Azalea farming	Cultivation of azalea shrubs primarily for ornamental use
Christmas tree growing	Production of evergreen trees for seasonal decoration
Corms farming	Growing underground plant stems (corms) used for propagation
Field nurseries	Open land nurseries growing flowers and shrubbery
Flower bulb growing	Production of bulbs for flowering plants
Fruit stock growing	Cultivation of plants, seedlings, and trees used as stock for fruit production
Herbaceous perennial growing	Growing perennial plants that die back annually but regrow from roots
Nursery stock growing	Production of a wide variety of nursery stock plants
Nursery with tree production (except reforestation)	Tree production activities distinct from reforestation timber harvesting
Preseeded mat farming	Growing preseeded mats used for transplantation
Propagation material farming	Producing materials like cuttings and seedlings for plant propagation
Rose bush growing	Specialized cultivation of rose bushes
Short rotation woody tree growing	Growing woody trees with harvesting cycles of ten years or less
Shrubbery farming	Growing shrubs for commercial and ornamental purposes
Sod farming	Cultivation of turf grass for landscaping and erosion control
Tissue culture farming	Producing plants through tissue culture techniques for uniformity and disease resistance
Tree crop farming (except forestry)	Cultivation of tree crops not related to timber forestry
Turf farming	Growing grass for lawns, sports fields, and landscaping

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What type of businesses qualify under NAICS code 111421?
A: Businesses engaged in growing nursery products such as trees, shrubs, plants, flower bulbs, or producing propagation materials fall under this code.

Q2: Can forestry-related tree production be classified under NAICS 111421?
A: No, tree production for reforestation and timber harvesting is classified separately from nursery and tree production under 111421.

Q3: What is the small business size standard for NAICS 111421?
A: The size standard is $3.25 million in average annual receipts.

Q4: Is tissue culture farming considered part of this industry?
A: Yes, tissue culture farming for producing nursery plants is included under this NAICS code.

Q5: How can this NAICS code benefit my business?
A: Understanding your NAICS code helps in federal contracting, marketing, and qualifying for small business programs.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 111421 - Nursery and Tree Production encompasses a vital segment of the agricultural sector focused on the propagation and growth of nursery stock, ornamental plants, and tree crops. With a small business size standard of $3.25 million, many businesses can leverage this classification for opportunities within government contracting and industry-specific programs. From Christmas tree growers to commercial nurseries and sod farms, this industry supports a wide array of horticultural activities essential to landscaping, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Understanding NAICS 111421 is essential for businesses aiming to maximize growth, compliance, and contracting potential within the agriculture industry.

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Keywords: NAICS 111421, Nursery and Tree Production, Nursery stock, Tree crop farming, Small business size standard, Commercial tree nurseries, Ornamental plant growers, Shrub and vine producers, Agriculture sector NAICS codes