Research by UT-TIP has been varied over the last six decades. Experiments have ranged from traditional breeding and progeny tests to establishing molecular mapping populations. As the program has matured, emphasis has switched from field testing to establishing seed orchards to serve the “Three States of Tennessee”. These seed orchards will provide the East Tennessee State Nursery (Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Forestry) with locally adapted and, in some cases, genetically improved seed to produce species important to natural resources-based industries in Tennessee. We support nursery research with a variety of experiments including our Precision Forestry testing, which evaluates orchard progeny for quality seeds and seedlings.