TreeLines
December 2023 – 1st Edition
Plant Early For Better Survival
The optimal planting period for loblolly pine bareroot seedlings spans from early December to March 1, considered the dormant season.
However, the planting timeframe for containerized seedlings can be extended beyond these dates if soil surface and moisture conditions are favorable.
ArborGen customers typically engage in planting activities within this window, concentrating in January and February.
The question arises: why does early planting contribute to enhanced survival and growth?
Planting bareroot seedlings during the early months, specifically from December to February, increases the likelihood of improved survival rates for most pine species.
This advantage stems from the seedlings having a head start in developing new roots and establishing themselves before the initiation of new top growth in the spring.
A bareroot pine seedling requires approximately 4 to 6 weeks to grow new roots following transplantation under optimal soil moisture conditions. Seedlings planted in December to mid-February benefit from ample time to cultivate new roots before the spring flush.
On the contrary, later planting may not afford seedlings sufficient time to develop new roots before the emergence of shoots and the rise in temperatures.
Inadequate root development can lead to suboptimal water and nutrient uptake, potentially resulting in seedling dieback or mortality when faced with the stresses of summer heat and dry periods.
To ensure robust survival and optimal first-year growth for your new seedling, check weather forecasts to avoid freezing temperatures and ensure adequate soil moisture. Additionally, ensure that mechanical and chemical site preparation is conducted well in advance, allowing beds sufficient time to settle and prepare the site adequately.
Call your tree planter or consultant and let them know you want to plant your seedlings early so they can get the crews lined up to be on your site as soon as possible.
Contact your Reforestation Advisor to ask questions about your planting operation. We will be happy to help!
Handle Seedlings with Care
A few weeks back, I accompanied a former student of mine, now a professional forester, to a planting site on his company land to inspect seedling and planting quality.
As we arrived on the tract that had been site prepared for its new forest, I noticed something that deeply concerned me.
One of the planters had separated himself from the rest of the crew and filled his planting bag for another run. He was down on both knees with his hoedad planting tool firmly secured between them.
Watch Video:
Proper Seedling Handling Before Planting
He was taking the seedlings from the box and then holding them on both ends. I could see him making an up and down motion with his arms and I instantly knew what was going on. I got out of my truck and headed in his direction. The tree planter immediately started trying to hide his actions, but the pile of cut roots next to him was too much to cover. I caught him prepping his bag of work for easy planting and it was obvious that he did not understand, or care, about the consequences of his actions.
Upon further investigation of the tract, several piles of roots were discovered by the forester and me. It is an age-old problem as old as artificial regeneration itself. To make planting easy, tree planters will cut, chop, bite or chew off roots to make for easy insertion into the planting slit, thereby producing a damaged seedling with disproportionate shoot/root ratio and a significant loss of absorbent root tips.
Remember, your seedlings arrive from our nurseries with the perfect shoot/root ratio – don’t cut the roots!
Article by Paul Jeffreys, Ph.D.,
ArborGen Reforestation Advisor,
Alabama, Mississippi, Western Tennessee
Important Planting Tips
When possible, be on-site while seedlings are being planted to avoid these
common, devastating mistakes.
Too Shallow
Root collar and roots exposed, drying out roots.
Too Deep
Pine bud within 2" of the ground line.
"J" or "U" Roots
Roots form a "J" or "U" shape resulting in poor or weak root development.
Too Shallow
Seedlings that were planted too shallow with root system too close to surface.
Too Deep Example
Seedlings that were planted too deeply into soil.
"J" Root Example
Two year old J rooted seedling.
Prepare for your Planting Success
ArborGen is dedicated to the success of our customers. In keeping with this commitment, we have created a “Daily Planting Log” available at our nurseries.
This log will allow the contractor to document the details of the seedlings at delivery, including the condition of the seedlings, seedling type, and packaging. Along with the initial inspection, the planter will be able to keep track of the date of planting, weather conditions as well as planting tool used. All of this information can be recorded and readily accessible in the event of any questions after planting is complete.
Make sure you request a Daily Planting Log to be included in your delivery or pick-up. Please contact the nursery or reforestation advisor should you have any questions.
Planting Has Started
Talk to an ArborGen Reforestation Advisor or Nursery Manager before planting trees that have experienced abnormally high or low temperatures.
Seedling survival will suffer if seedlings are exposed to excessively high or low temperatures.
The level of mortality is directly related to the length of exposure to these temperature extremes. An exposure to 80°F for two hours can significantly reduce survival.
Be sure to download the latest Seedling Care & Planting Guidelines, and request a copy when you pick up your seedlings.
DO:
• Transport seedlings in a refrigerated van with temperatures maintained between 34°F and 45°F whenever possible.
• Keep inside package temperatures below 60°F.
• Keep truck bed free from pesticides and other chemicals.
• Keep truck bed free from sharp objects.
• Promptly repair or replace torn packages.
• Shield seedlings from direct sunlight, wind, and temperature extremes.
• Minimize transportation time.
• Consider transporting trees at night.
DON’T:
• Allow seedlings to freeze.
• Ship trees without refrigeration when air temperature exceeds 70°F.
• Walk on or stack heavy objects on seedlings.
• Routinely open seedling packages to inspect seedlings. (Open only if the package has been damaged and/or been too hot or cold).
Did You Miss One Of Our Webinars This Year?
If you missed any of our recent webinars, the good news is that the replays are now available for a limited time.
Sign up for replays of:
- How Many Trees Per Acre? All About Planting Density
- Making Sense of Reforestation: Q&A with Reforestation Advisors
- How to Find Money on Your Forestland
- Reforestation: What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You
These webinars offer valuable insights and expert perspectives that can make a difference in your results. Get access to the webinar videos today!
Containerized Still Available!
Even though dry conditions have dominated fall and early winter 2023, The National Weather Service is still predicting Pacific El Nino conditions will create an unusually cool and wet late winter and spring 2024.
These conditions may create the need to use containerized seedlings if the planting season has to be extended.
ArborGen still has containerized stock available for the coastal plain, and a limited volume still available for the piedmont region.
Client Results
MCP® Elite at 14 years
Autauga County, AL
5′-6′ OP Slash at 1.5 Years
FL
Austin Heine
North Carolina & Virginia
910-660-3209
Greg Hay
Arkansas, Northern Louisiana, & Oklahoma
501-350-4217
Paul Jeffreys, Ph.D.
Alabama & Northern Mississippi
Manager Special Projects & Sustainability
205-712-9582
Drew Fasano
South Carolina & Northern Georgia
843-520-6865
Blake Sherry
Florida, Southern Georgia, & Southern Alabama
912-433-5407
Kylie Burdette
U.S. Sales Manager / East Texas and Southern Louisiana
864-650-4454
Jason Watson
Director, U.S. Sales
404-840-7489
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