Tree Power Rankings

August Persimmon - Morse Nursery

What is TPR?


Our Tree Power Rankings separate the ordinary from the elite. Every tree we grow is measured by real-world performance in the field—how fast it matures, how consistently it produces, and how much wildlife it attracts. We also weigh taste (because deer and turkeys know what’s good), plus feedback from experienced hunters who’ve seen the results firsthand. The outcome? A true ranking of trees that don’t just grow — they feed, attract, and perform season after season.

Maturity Rate

Maturity rate is one of the most important metrics in our Tree Power Ranking system because it tells hunters and landowners how quickly a tree will begin producing food for wildlife. When investing in trees for a property or food plot, the goal is results—fast. A tree that takes too long to mature may not benefit your wildlife within your hunting or land management timeline. By ranking trees on maturity rate, we give you a clear picture of which species will start delivering food sooner, helping you plan your habitat improvements with confidence and speed.

Annual Production

Annual production measures how reliably a tree produces food year after year. Consistency matters because wildlife, like deer and turkeys, rely on dependable food sources. Some trees, such as chestnuts, typically produce every year, making them highly consistent. Others, like certain oak varieties, may skip a year, creating gaps in available nutrition. By including annual production in our Tree Power Rankings, we help landowners choose trees that will provide dependable, ongoing resources for wildlife, ensuring your investment pays off season after season.

Wildlife Attraction

Wildlife attraction measures how well a tree draws and keeps animals on your property. Some species, like persimmons, rank high because deer can smell their fruit from far away. By rating attraction, we help hunters choose trees that not only feed wildlife but also keep them coming back, making habitats more active and productive.

Taste & Nutrition

Taste and nutrition greatly influence how wildlife choose their food. Some trees simply taste better—and animals know it. Chestnuts, for example, are low in tannins, making them sweeter and less bitter than acorns. This gives them a high score for both flavor and nutritional value, providing protein and energy that help sustain deer through the rut and tough winter months.

Hunter Feedback & Experience


Hunter feedback is at the heart of our Tree Power Rankings. Every year, we personally talk with thousands of hunters—on the phone, at trade shows, and in the field—who have planted and managed our trees for years. Their firsthand experiences guide how we evaluate performance in real-world hunting and habitat conditions. We gather their insights on what works, what doesn’t, and how different species perform across regions and setups. This ongoing feedback loop allows us to continually refine our tree selections, ensuring our offerings align with what matters most to hunters: dependable performance, consistent attraction, and proven results in the field.