Planting Method

Seedlings may be obtained at various ages/ prices. The least expensive seedlings are young er plants supplied as bare root versions. Older seedlings are planted in containers; these have higher survival likelihood but also are more expensive. The container- based seedlings can be planted at any time but bare root versions are generally planted in the spring, so they are better able to survive the coming winter.

A method to plant bare root seedlings is described in a note Careful Handling and Planting of Nursery Stock (http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/forestry/crflhnd.html’ and partly reproduced below:

1. Choose the best site, do not plant seedlings where there are waterholes, stumps or rocks and do not plant more than one tree per hole
2. Make sure the hole is deep enough for the root system
3. Carefully remove only one tree at a time (separate roots by shaking loose in the bag) and plant immediately
4. Lay the roots straight down in the hole in a natural arrangement — do not bunch, twist, double- over, or bend them
5. Keep organic matter, stones, and twigs out of the hole (unless the soil itself is organic). They create air pockets that dry out roots
6. Plant seedlings slightly above the root collar swelling.
7. Tamp soil with the toe (not the heel) to remove air pockets
8. For container stock, handle seedlings by the plug (not the stem)
9. Plant upright and cover the plug with soil. Do not bury live branches or foliage, or leave any roots exposed to the air
10. Take pride in a job well done
11. Care until Free To Grow.

Where possible, add mulch around the seedlings in a circle of 0.5 to 1.5 metre: this helps reduce competition and makes better use of available water (increases infiltration, decreases evaporation).