Tree Planting

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Full Division Webcast and Video Catalog

• Seedling Care and Handling
• Hand Planting
• Machine Planting
• Direct Seeding
• Reforestation Aids

Seedling Handling

Reforestation surveys indicate that the most common problems facing seedling survival are moisture stress, poor handling and physical damage before planting. From the time seedlings are lifted from the nursery bed, to the time they are planted, it is critically important to keep the seedlings moist (relative humidity 90-95%) and cool (34-36 F). Seedlings must remain in a state of dormancy during this period. As temperatures rise, plants begin to respire and can quickly deplete their energy reserves. Damaging molds can also grow on seedling roots under warm conditions. If seedlings are allowed to dry out, the root hairs become permanently damaged and are unable to absorb adequate water and nutrients. Physical damage from handling can impair root hair, shoot tips, and buds, which will slow initial growth of the seedlings. For more information on the proper care and handling of bare root seedlings, please download the following publication.

Care & Handling of Bare Root Seedlings [PDF, 833KB]

Hand Planting

Hand planting is necessary in rough terrain, when the seedlings are too large for machine planting, or when planting within an existing forest. The most common tools used for hand planting include a shovel, planting bar (‘dibble’), or hoedad. Two basic methods of hand planting are slit planting and wedge planting (see Figure below). An inexperienced tree planter can hand plant approximately 300-500 seedlings per day. A professional tree planter can often hand plant 1000 or more seedlings per day.

When planting by hand remember to keep the seedlings shaded, cool, and moist at all times. Do not leave packages of seedlings exposed to sunlight and warm temperatures at the job site. Utilize a reflective tarp and consider delivering the stock in stages during the workday. Carry seedlings in a planting bag or bucket along with wet burlap to keep the root systems moist. Handle the roots as little as possible and do not carry the seedlings exposed to the air or immersed in water. The roots should hang freely in the planting hole and not be twisted or crooked. The new soil line should be slightly above the seedling’s root collar. The soil should be packed firmly around the seedling to maintain good soil to root contact and eliminate air pockets.

Machine Planting

Machine planting is well suited for large orders, planting on even terrain and planting hardwoods with large root systems. Planting machines generally require a 30-50 horsepower tractor. A crew of three people is recommended; one person to drive the tractor, another to ride the planting machine, and a third person to provide seedlings to the planter and check for proper planting technique. The same stock handling principles listed above apply to machine planting. Do not load too many trees in the machine’s storage bins at one time; instead supply stock in small amounts to keep seedlings moist and cool. The average machine planting crew can plant 5000 trees per day.

Direct Seeding

Seed can be sown with a variety of equipment, such as seeding sticks, dribblers, broadcast seeders, or seed drills. The most effective means of direct seeding will depend on the species and seed size and the planting site characteristics. Your local DNR forester can provide more information regarding direct seeding methods in your area.

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Reforestation Aids

There are a wide variety of products available to aid in the survival of a plantation.

Shelters

Shelters protect trees from animal browse and improve initial height growth by creating a "greenhouse" effect. They make seedlings easier to locate and protect the trees from herbicide damage. Tree shelters do not eliminate the need for vegetation control and they require annual maintenance. Netting should be placed on the top of shelters to prevent the accidental death of birds in search of nesting sites.

Shelters block a significant quantity of incoming light, so they should be used in full sun conditions. Tree shelters are used primarily with high value hardwoods and the cost may not be economically justified for many landowners. Other problems associated with the use of shelters include stem dieback and rodent nesting. After a few years, tree shelters may actually inhibit sapling growth, so shelters should be removed once terminal shoots have emerged from the shelter top and the sapling becomes rigid enough to stand on its own.

Mulches and Vegetation Mats

Mulches and vegetation mats are used to suppress weed growth, retain soil moisture and reduce erosion. Mulches can include bark, sawdust, straw, wood chips or other materials. Mulches must be applied to a depth adequate to suppress weed growth (i.e., 2-3 inches), but should not be heaped or mounded immediately next to the seedling. Mulches are labor intensive to apply and can attract rodents seeking areas for nesting. Vegetation mats are typically made from plastics or natural fibers. They suppress weed growth while still allowing water infiltration. The primary disadvantage of mats is the high cost.

Root Dips and Gels

Root dips and gels are hydrating gels used to coat seedling roots prior to handling and planting operations. Its primary purpose is to prevent drying of the seedling’s roots during the planting process.

Animal Repellants

Animal repellants are used to deter browsing by whitetail deer and rabbits. Browsing, especially by deer, has been an increasing problem for landowners planting tree seedlings. Repellants are usually a liquid that is sprayed onto the tree seedlings. They repel pests by making the trees smell or taste bad. Repellants must be reapplied periodically to maintain their effectiveness.

Bud Caps

Bud caps are pieces of paper or plastic mesh that are stapled over the terminal (top) bud to deter browsing during the winter months.

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