Permaplot® and Bucks Unlimited Oak™: Restoring Ecosystems, Supporting Wildlife
As part of our commitment to restoring local native ecosystems, Forrest Keeling Nursery developed Permaplot®, a carefully curated selection of native trees and shrubs. This sustainable solution provides year-round nourishment for wildlife while supporting healthy soil systems. A standout feature of Permaplot® is the Bucks Unlimited Oak™, a high-yielding variety of swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) that is especially appealing to deer and other wildlife.
What is Permaplot®?
Permaplot® is a sustainable, one-time planting that transforms your land into a ‘nature’s keeper.’ Our unique collection of native trees and shrubs is designed to replicate the natural, perennial diets of deer and other wildlife. Unlike an annual food plot, there’s no recurring planting expense. Permaplot® guarantees a consistent source of nutrition for wildlife throughout all four seasons. With Permaplot®, you become a partner in supporting wildlife, ‘one tree at a time.’
At the core of Permaplot® is the Bucks Unlimited Oak™. This swamp white oak variety is famous for its outstanding mast production, producing twice as much as other oak species. Its nutrient-rich acorns attract deer, waterfowl, and upland game birds, making it a superb option for planting near deer stands or food plots.
Benefits Beyond Wildlife
Each Permaplot® is carefully balanced with a mix of hard and soft mast species to promote optimal biodiversity and soil health. The trees and shrubs support a rich and diverse community of mycorrhizae and microorganisms, which in turn support a balanced ecosystem of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The native species in Permaplot® include:
- Hard Mast: Oaks (Bucks Unlimited, Kimberley, Dwarf Chinkapin, Red), Hazelnut, Pecan
- Soft Mast: Persimmon, Domestic Apple, Chokeberry, Roughleaf Dogwood, American Plum, Chickasaw Plum
This thoughtful combination not only benefits wildlife but also enhances soil fertility and overall environmental health.
How to Get Started
Contact Forrest Keeling Nursery for species availability and Permaplot®. A typical Permaplot® plant collection includes 50 #3 RPM (Root Production Method®) trees and shrubs. It also comes with tree guards.
Orders can be picked up at our Elsberry location, where each plant is prepared with one year’s slow-release fertilizer to ensure optimal growth. The trees and shrubs arrive moist and ready for planting, making setup hassle-free.
Permaplot® is adaptable for plots of an acre or more. For optimal environmental benefits, we recommend a mix of 50 trees and shrubs per acre. You can tailor your selection or let our experts select the best species for your project.
Leaders in Conservation
Forrest Keeling is a trusted leader in conservation and environmental restoration. With our innovative RPM technology and commitment to ecological stewardship, we produce over 1.5 million native plants annually, offering more than 400 species to support diverse ecosystems.
Investing in Permaplot® makes you a vital partner in preserving wildlife and restoring natural habitats—one tree at a time.
For more information or to discuss the best native species for your property, contact Forrest Keeling Nursery today or explore our real-time inventory online.

Permaplot® & Bucks Unlimited OakTM Brochure