OSCEOLA-LAKE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Tree Planting Basics
More Tree Planting Basics Tips
Site Selection
Consider the plant's characteristics:
Do they need shade, full sun, dry or moist soil? How tall will it grow and how wide?
Consider what existing natural or man-made features are on your site which may influence what trees and shrubs you plant and where. Avoid the following:
- Planting shade intolerant trees under mature trees.
- Planting on septic drain fields.
- Planting trees within 10-12' of overhead wires.
- Planting trees within 10-12' of buildings.
- Planting evergreens where they may obstruct vision near roads.
- Planting salt intolerant plants next to roadways.
Site Preparation
Weed control is important to improve the survival and growth of newly planted trees and shrubs. Research has shown that the leading cause of seedling mortality most years is due to lack of proper weed control. When weeds are present, tree seedlings cannot compete against the more successful grasses and broad-leafed weeds. New herbicides on the market today take much of the guesswork out of weed control.
Pre-emergent herbicides (those that are applied before weeds emerge in the spring) and post- emergent herbicides (those that are applied after the weeds emerge) often do a superior job of controlling weeds around newly planted seedlings over the traditional sod scalping or furrowing method done with a shovel or a plow.
The key to effective weed control with herbicides is to apply the herbicide one season in advance. This is best done in late summer or early fall when grasses and other weeds are beginning to store food in their roots. Herbicides are quickly translocated to the roots at this time of the year making herbicides more effective and thorough in their control of weeds.
Planting
Trees may be planted with a tree planting machine or by hand using a planting bar, shovel, or other tool. Plant trees in the middle of the prepared site area to ensure maximum distance from competing vegetation.
Dig a hole wide enough to permit tree roots to spread out in a natural uncurled position. Roots can be pruned to 8-12", depending on the size of the trees, to accommodate this. Firmly pack soil around roots to eliminate air pockets.
Plant trees as soon as possible after pick-up. Plant one tree at a time, keeping roots of trees yet to be planted covered so they do not dry out. Small seedlings can also be planted in a nursery bed, 12" apart, until they increase in size and can be transplanted.
After you Plant
Check survival the first and second year and replant where necessary. Control competition from weeds and grasses either by tillage and/or herbicide. Exclude livestock from plantings. Prune hardwoods to produce straight, single stem and begin shearing Christmas trees after the third year. Watch for attacks by insects and diseases in the spring and consult a forester if damage is evident.
Tips on Seedling Care
During Storage
- If possible, place seedlings in cold storage; dormant seedlings can be kept in cold storage at 32-40 degrees F and high humidity for up to 10 weeks.
- Tape up holes in packaging to prevent drying of roots.
- Water uncovered bare-root seedlings upon arrival and every other day thereafter; do not water seedling roots that have been treated with moisture retentive material, as that will remove the protective coating.
- Store bundles loosely (not more than three deep) and use spacers between bundles to permit adequate ventilation.
- Store bundles in areas protected from the sun, wind, and freezing temperatures.
- Stack bundles with one end higher than the other to permit drainage.
- Seedlings kept without cold storage should be planted within three weeks.
- If unable to plant all seedlings, dig a hole on a slant, place seedling roots in hole and cover with soil. Next planting season dig up and plant where desired.
During Planting
- Avoid planting when the ground is hard, frozen or dry, or when excessively wet and sticky.
- Allow frozen seedlings to thaw naturally in bundles before attempting to separate.
- Seedlings should be carried in protective containers or bags to protect the roots from exposure to sun and air.
- Remove only one seedling at a time from protective container and plant immediately.
- Place seedling in hole in such a manner as to assure proper root alignment.
- Check spacing periodically to assure proper number of seedlings per acre.
- When machine planting, be sure tractor speed is matched to that of the planter; tractor speed should not exceed three miles per acre.
- Check furrow depth when machine planting, or dibble length and depth of planting hole when hand-planting to provide for the full length of the roots when straight.
- To check firmness of the soil packing, grasp the tips of the four top needles of the pine seedling and pull upward; if the tree pulls out of the ground, it was not firmly packed, if the needles pull off the plant without uprooting the seedling, the soil has been sufficiently packed.
- Do not place seedlings in a bucket of water. This will remove soil particles from the seedlings, which will speed up the drying out of the roots.
Spacing Guide
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