TreeLines
July 2023 – 2nd Edition
Seedling Quality Counts
High-quality seedlings are better suited to survive periods of environmental stress and grow well after planting. At ArborGen, we follow the bareroot specifications detailed in this graphic from Auburn University Southern Forest Nursery Management Cooperative.
We produce seedlings with a woody stem and secondary needles, a 10 to 12-inch top, and a 6-inch tap root with eight or more primary lateral roots. We also target an average root collar diameter (RCD) of 5mm or more, and it should be free of insects and disease. The root collar diameter (RCD) is a key metric for quality seedlings and is an indirect measure of the root system. These specifications produce seedlings that work well for hand or machine planting operations.
Our container seedlings have similar specifications, with the key differences from bareroot being that the root length is limited to the length of the container, and container seedlings have a slightly smaller target RCD of 4 mm.
Every ArborGen nursery places seedling quality as a top priority. The nursery teams routinely monitor seedling health and growth, and since 2016, the ArborGen Product Development Seedling Quality Team has provided an independent assessment of seedlings at each nursery.
Over 100,000 seedling measurements are collected every season across ArborGen nurseries to monitor the development of our crop. Each December, the Product Development Team will lift and measure seedlings to ensure they meet our target specifications.
The entire product development team and nursery personnel are committed to using data and science-based approaches to produce the best quality seedlings to give your plantation the best start.
Article by Patrick Cumbie
Manager of Pine Development for ArborGen Inc
Get to know your Reforestation Advisor
While there are more options than ever for genetics, stock type (containerized or bareroot), seedling spacing, and planting method, the decision process can be more manageable and smooth when you have a trusted partner to help.
Meet your team of Reforestation Advisors (RA’s) who bring you a wealth of expertise in silvicultural techniques and genetics selection to help you successfully establish a new forest. Here are some videos to get to know the Reforestation Advisor in your region – they’ll be happy to hear from you and answer questions.
Jason Watson
Director, U.S. Sales
Reforestation Advisor for
Georgia and Florida
Greg Hay
AR, Northern LA, OK
Paul Jeffreys, Ph.D.
Western TN, Northern AL, MS
Austin Heine
NC, VA
Kylie Burdette
U.S. Sales Manager,
Reforestation Advisor for SC
Client Results
MCP® 2.0 @ 8 months
Williamsburg County, SC
MCP® @ 3d Growing Season
Kemper County, MS
Seedling Availability
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
FIND AN ADVISOR OR NURSERY
