TreeLines

June 2023 – 1st Edition

TreeLines

June 2023 – 1st Edition

TreeLines

June 2023 – 1st Edition

Knowing the Annual Minimum Temperature for Your Pine Seedlings is Critical to Survival

Knowing the Annual Minimum Temperature for Your Pine Seedlings is Critical to Survival

Knowing the Annual Minimum Temperature for Your Pine Seedlings is Critical to Survival

Long-term forestry research has provided a clear understanding of how Loblolly Pine has adapted from New Jersey to Texas to local climatic conditions. Loblolly Pine varies in its ability to withstand cold temperatures depending on where the original parent trees were from.

This research examined the survival and vigor of loblolly seed sources, or provenances, planted across the South in a variety of conditions with a range of temperatures. US Forest Service scientists then developed planting zones to which these provenances are well-adapted. These zones for forestry are a modification of USDA Plant Hardiness zones you may have seen at your local garden center store.

Failure to follow these seed source movement guidelines can lead to catastrophic loss.

Planting the wrong seedlings in the wrong geographic area threatens initial seedling survival.

Still, even if they survive, the cold temperatures can limit tree root growth due to a lack of adaptability to cooler soil temperatures.

In recent years, reports of survival problems in northern North Carolina and Virginia suggest that seedling families were planted in areas with temperatures too low for them.

Our Reforestation Advisors use ArborGen’s proprietary FamInfo database with the Annual MinTemps for every county where loblolly pine can be planted. ArborGen has specific families well-tested for adaptability for these colder areas. You can be sure that your Reforestation Advisor will select the appropriate seedling families adapted to the minimum temperatures occurring in your area to survive and grow well.

Look at this published article by R.C. Schmidtling with the United States Forest Service on “Southern Pine Seed Sources” for more information on why it is critical to know the annual minimum temperature your seedlings can tolerate before planting.

This research examined the survival and vigor of loblolly seed sources, or provenances, planted across the South. US Forest Service scientists then developed planting zones to which these provenances are well-adapted. These zones for forestry are a modification of USDA Plant Hardiness zones you may have seen at your local garden center store.

Article by Jason Watson,
Director, US Sales

Welcome Justin Birch!

Please join us in welcoming Justin Birch to ArborGen as our new president and CEO!

Justin succeeds Andrew Baum, who will retire on June 19th but will continue in a consulting capacity to facilitate a seamless leadership transition.

Justin is an experienced executive with significant agricultural sector exposure and a strong operations, finance, and strategy background. Previously he was the Chief Financial Officer of Prima® Wawona in California, an industry leader in the fresh fruit category.

Before this role, he served in various operations, finance, sales, and strategy positions at Prima® Wawona and at Materra Farming, an investor-owned farming company.

Justin and his wife, Ellie, have three children – eight-year-old Ariana, five-year-old Remington, and three-year-old Duke. Justin grew up in Indiana and is a big fan of the Indianapolis Colts. In his “spare” time, he enjoys fly-fishing, shooting, and woodworking.

“My family and I are very excited to be coming to South Carolina and being part of the community here. ArborGen is a great company doing important and beneficial work for our society and the forestry industry, and I couldn’t be more pleased to join such a great organization. I look forward to meeting our customers and working with a great team of forestry professionals focused on delivering landowners the best seedling genetic options available.”

I would like to thank all of you for trusting ArborGen with your reforestation needs over my time at ArborGen. We know that you have choices and are grateful we have earned your trust. As I retire I know I am leaving an organization that puts it customer’s needs first. We aim to be a reforestation partner, not just a seedling vendor, and that team at ArborGen offers an unparalleled level of genetics, seedling quality, reforestation advice and service.

I am completely confident that Justin will continue to maintain our customer focus and commitment to your success. His time in the agricultural and tree fruit industries, his integrity and business experience makes him my ideal successor. I have no doubt that he will allow ArborGen to continue to provide the products and service you have come to expect and deserve.

Thanks again for your confidence in ArborGen. You are the reason we exist!

— Andrew Baum

Client Results

10.5′ MCP®

@ 3rd Growing Season

Slaughter, LA