dnr.wa.gov/sflo

Planting Forest Seedlings How to select, plant and care for tree seedlings Species and Stock Type It is highly recommended that you get a site-specific recommendation from a qualified forester regarding which species and stock type (seedling age and size) to plant. Foresters from the Department of Natural Resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and some Conservation Districts provide this service without charge.

SOME NATIVE TREE SPECIES AND THEIR SITE ADAPTATIONS

Species that need Species to replant on full sunlight sites with Laminated Douglas-fir Root Disease All pine species Any hardwood species Planting Red alder Western redcedar Cottonwood Western white pine Zones Willows (Never replant with Western larch Douglas-fir) Over time Pacific Northwest Species that will Species that commonly native tree species have adapted tolerate some shade require protection from to specific environmental conditions. Western hemlock wildlife feeding damage Grand fir Several species, especially: To recognize these diverse areas, Western redcedar Douglas-fir foresters have divided the state Spruces Cottonwood into seed zones. Western redcedar Species that will tolerate wet sites Species very susceptible Seed Zones & Elevation Shore pine to insects, disease are Important Considerations (Lodgepole pine) and fire on many eastern Grand fir Washington sites For most effective results, you Western redcedar Douglas-fir should order seedlings grown from Grand fir Spruces seeds collected in the same seed Species that will Species for stream- zone and elevation in which they side planting tolerate dry sites will be planted. Ponderosa pine Red alder Lodgepole pine Cottonwood For specific seed zone information, Willows go to dnr.wa.gov and type “seed Western redcedar Spruces zones” in search box. Grand fir Douglas-fir (needs sun and good soil drainage) 2 3 Planting Seasons Planting Tools Planting tree seedlings Generally, the use of a shovel specifically at the right time of year designed for tree planting is preferred will help avoid some post- whenever site conditions permit, especially planting problems, such when planting larger seedlings. Planting as drought and transplant hoes are still used in specific situations, shock. such as when planting smaller “plug” seedlings on difficult sites where use of a Seedlings should be planted when they are shovel is impractical. dormant, generally December-April, depending on local conditions. However, the planting season may be extended in areas in which snow covers the ground late into the year. The sooner seedlings are planted, the sooner root growth starts and the plants can begin adjusting to their new environment. Never plant in frozen ground or during freezing temperatures. The fine root hairs will freeze.

shovel hoe

4 5 Seedling Care Spacing Trees Nurseries give seedlings For successful forest plantations, it is the best possible care. generally recommended that you plant The way you handle seedlings 10 to 12 feet apart. It is advisable these seedlings is vital to to plant seedlings closer together where their survival. To keep high mortality is expected. these seedlings cool and moist, you should:

Transport in a covered, 10-12 feet well-ventilated vehicle.

Avoid exposure to Current reforestation regulations require direct sunlight. a minimum of 190 healthy trees evenly distributed per acre (approximately Store in a cool or 15’ x 15’) in western Washington and refrigerated area 33°F (ideal) 150 healthy trees evenly distributed per to 36°F (maximum). acre (approximately 17’ x 17’) in eastern The way you handle these seedlings Washington. Successful reforestation is required within three years of timber is vital to their survival. harvest (WAC 222-34). ❚ Stack no more than three bundles high,  The chart below will help you allowing space between stacks for air determine the desired number of circulation. trees per acre. ❚ Do not open bags until you are ready to plant. Trees ❚ Open only one bag at a time. Per Acre ❚ Repair torn bags immediately with masking or duct tape. ❚ Ideally, plant seedlings within

days of receiving them. 8' x 8' = 681 ❚ Prevent from freezing. 10' x 10' = 431 If accidentally frozen, thaw slowly 12' x 12' = 303 before planting. 13' x 13' = 258 trees per acre

6 R-I-4 spacing 7 dnr.wa.gov/sflo ERRORS

Planting With Shovel

Too shallow

1 Insert shovel vertically 2 Hold soil back with 3 Cover the roots and pack soil with blade reversed, push shovel and insert tree at by stomping firmly around the handle away from you, then proper depth, making sure roots. The sooner seedlings are Turned up roots pull soil back and out of roots are not bent. planted, the sooner growth starts. the hole. Never plant in frozen ground or during freezing temperatures.

Planting With Hoe/Adze

Hoe Tangled roots

Too deep

1 Insert hoe and loosen soil. 2 Pull toward you. 3 Insert tree at proper depth, making sure roots are not bent.

Rock

4 Cover roots to base. 5 Pack soil by stomping 6 Tree is planted correctly. firmly around the roots. Air pocket Site Preparation As they grow, trees must compete with other vegetation for light, water, nutrients and space. To prepare the ground for seedling planting, you may need to eliminate or reduce undesirable plant growth. This is best done during the summer before planting. Forest Plantings It is frequently necessary to remove or Whatever method you ▲ For spot preparation, control competing vegetation and excess choose, use care when an 18” square may be clearing vegetation to scalped out with a planting logging debris to make the site suitable for hoe or shovel at the time planting. A forester can provide site-specific avoid damaging the site of planting. Remove all advice. and its resources. heavy sod and competitive plant growth. Open Field Mechanical

Old fields provide poor conditions Treatments Scattering, piling, chipping and burning are for seedling planting due to established commonly used to control competing vegetation sod cover and rodent and remove excess logging debris. populations. Fields may require preparation, such as Chemical Treatments hand scalping, plowing and If you choose to use herbicides, be sure to get disking, special tilling, and/ professional advice. State and federal regulations or herbicide application require that pesticides — including herbicides to reduce existing plant — be applied in strict adherence to label competition and increase directions. A license is required to purchase and chances of survival. apply some herbicides, and application of forest Vegetation Control herbicides is regulated by the Washington Forest Methods Practices Act. You can use different methods to Animal Damage control unwanted In addition to competing vegetation, you vegetation which may also have to control animal damage. competes with Wildlife and domestic livestock can cause young trees. damage by feeding on newly planted seedlings. Site-specific advice Protective measures such as tubing, animal from a forester is repellents, or bud caps may be needed at the recommended. time of planting.

10 11 ❚ Plant seedlings at the same depth that Handling they grew in the nursery. Look at the stem of the seedling to determine the of Seedlings soil level from the nursery. There will be a Exposure to sun, wind, low humidity or color change on the stem. freezing temperatures before planting is ❚ Take care not to bury foliage or to leave detrimental to seedling survival. It is vital roots curled back or exposed to the air. that seedling roots be kept protected and moist until planted. ❚ Pack soil firmly around the entire root system, leaving no air pockets. ❚ Carry only the number of seedlings that can be planted within two hours. ❚ Plant seedlings in locations that will provide protection from heat and ❚ Carry seedlings in a pail or planting bag drought. In forest plantings, when lined with wet burlap, peat moss or possible, plant seedlings along the north similar moist material. side of stumps or logs or in the partial ❚ Remove one seedling at a time from shade of ferns and small brush clumps, the planting container. taking care to avoid complete shading ❚ Plant seedlings into bare mineral soil and vegetative competition. —no needles, twigs or debris in the planting hole.

CORRECT INCORRECT Place seedlings in pail or planting bag, Do not carry seedlings in your hand. keeping roots covered with wet burlap, peat If exposed to the air for even a short time, moss or similar moist material. tiny roots will dry out.

12 13 Post For More Help For free on-site Planting Care consultation and advice: DNR Forest Stewardship Program Foresters are Timely follow up care available to provide forest management advice; after planting can make including site preparation, reforestation, and the difference between early plantation care. Refer to the back panel of success and failure. this publication for contact information. Inspect new plantations frequently during the To order seedlings: Webster Forest Nursery first few years. It is important to protect 360-902-1234 or seedlings from damage caused by competing 1-877-890-2626 (toll-free) vegetation, grazing, fire, wildlife, disease dnr.wa.gov or insects. For help in identifying seedling damage and for corrective advice, contact For advice, educational programs the Department of Natural Resources, USDA and publications: Washington State University Extension Natural Resources Conservation Service or a Check your local county government listing. WSU Extension Forester. forestry.wsu.edu It is very important to control competing For forestry and agricultural vegetation. This improves survival and growth assistance and financial incentive by conserving moisture and by keeping programs: weeds and brush from smothering and USDA Natural Resources shading out the new trees. It also eliminates Conservation Service undesirable rodent habitats. Supplemental Check your local federal government listing. watering or irrigation nrcs.usda.gov and shading may be desirable, where This publication was prepared by the feasible, in arid Washington State Department of Natural conditions. Resources (DNR) Forest Stewardship Program and Webster Forest Nursery in cooperation with Washington State University Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding from the USDA Forest Service supported printing of this brochure. Both the USDA Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources are equal opportunity employers and service providers.

14 15 dnr.wa.gov/sflo

DNR Forest Stewardship Program / Landowner Assistance Contacts Statewide Forest Stewardship Program Manager DNR Small Forest Landowner Office Mailstop 47012 Olympia, WA 98504-7012 360-902-1415 Email: [email protected] Statewide Stewardship Fish and Wildlife Biologist DNR Southeast Region Office 713 Bowers Road Ellensburg WA 98926 360-489-4802

WESTERN WASHINGTON STEWARDSHIP AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FORESTER DNR Small Forest Landowner Office MS 47012 Olympia, WA 98504-7012 360-902-1494

EASTERN WASHINGTON STEWARDSHIP AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FORESTER DNR Northeast Region Office Colville, WA 99114 509-703-9988

People who need this information in an alternative format may call 360-902-1706 or TRS 711 UPDATED APRIL 2019 UPDATED