About Simpson Nurseries

Rooted in History. Growing for the Future.

Welcome to Simpson Nurseries, where over a century of horticultural excellence meets the future of sustainable, people-focused innovation. Established in 1902 as Simpson Nursery Company, our family-owned and operated business has grown from its humble beginnings into one of the nation’s premier producers of pecan trees, deciduous nursery stock, fruit trees, and evergreens. With two thriving operations in Monticello, Florida and Smithville, Tennessee, we cultivate more than 3 million trees and shrubs annually across 1,500 acres.

Over the decades, Simpson Nurseries has earned a national reputation for leadership and innovation in the nursery industry. In the 1960s, we became the nation’s leading producer of pecan trees and watermelon seed. Since then, our offerings have expanded to include a diverse array of high-quality plant material — from 4-inch container shrubs to 100-gallon shade trees — serving retail nurseries, landscapers, mass merchandisers, and pecan plantations across the eastern United States.

A New Direction

As we move into a new era, Simpson Nurseries is evolving with purpose. Our strategic focus in 2025 emphasizes:

Empowering People – With over 250 full-time employees, we continue to be the largest employer in Jefferson County, FL. Our workforce is our foundation. Whether in the field, the greenhouse, or the office, every team member is a valued contributor to our shared success. We are investing in leadership development, workplace culture, and long-term career opportunities to foster a workplace where people grow as much as our trees do.

Technology & Innovation – We are integrating next-generation propagation methods, smart irrigation systems, and data-driven field management to increase efficiency, quality, and resilience. As a recognized pioneer in horticultural technology, our goal is not just to meet industry standards — but to set them.

Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship – Our award-winning partnership with the City of Monticello has resulted in a multi-million-dollar water recycling system, diverting up to 400,000 gallons of reclaimed water per day for irrigation. This eco-conscious approach significantly reduces groundwater use and models sustainable practices for our industry.

Our Production & Reach

Florida Operations: Over 1,100 acres of field and container-grown trees and shrubs, including a self-contained propagation center with more than 2 million softwood cuttings, 500,000 container seed liners, and dense field bed plantings of up to 60,000 trees per acre.

Tennessee Operations: A 417-acre facility producing over 1 million trees annually, supporting the company’s growth across cooler climates.

Our reach extends from Florida to Maine and throughout the eastern United States, with a growing share in the online retail marketplace.

Looking Ahead

At Simpson Nurseries, we believe in honoring our legacy while embracing the future. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to excellence in horticulture, environmental responsibility, and a culture that places people at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We’re not just growing trees — we’re growing a legacy.