L596 Tree Planting Guide

FOREST SERVICE KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Tree planting is an important early to ensure you receive the method of planting to be used. The part of our Kansas heritage. Since necessary plants. objective is to create a planting settlement days, Kansans have Plan the planting before site with loose soil approximately planted trees for timber, fuel wood, ordering, often up to one year ahead 12 inches deep that is free of peren- field borders, boundary lines, wind of time. Know where, when, and nial vegetation, while providing protection, and wildlife habitats. how the seedlings or seeds are to be good soil erosion control. planted and what care you will give Summer Fallow — On sod sites, Today, as in the past, trees are a them after planting. A well-planned an approved contact herbicide treat- vital part of rural conservation planting has a greater chance of ment is often necessary; then fallow programs. success than one that is poorly the entire planting site or strips where planned. trees will be planted the summer Ordering Trees before planting. Use a one-way disc or Tree and shrub seedlings, both Planting Time plow to turn the sod. A sub-surface bare-root and container-grown, and Bare-root trees and shrubs, tiller can be used on light soils where stratified walnut and pecan seeds, container-grown evergreen trees, wind erosion is a problem. can be purchased from the Kansas and stratified seeds are available Fall Plowing — When planting Forest Service. for spring planting. In the fall, only a cropland site, deep plow in the fall Orders may be made over the container-grown evergreen tree with a mold-board plow or chisel to phone, via email, or by mail. Order seedlings are available. break through the plow layer and forms are available at local K-State Orders will be shipped in the loosen the soil. This allows for aera- Research and Extension, County spring between mid-March and the tion and water penetration. Disc the Conservation District, Natural first week in May, and in the fall site before planting in the spring. Resources Conservation Service, they are shipped throughout the Scalping — If the planting site and Kansas Department of Wild- ordering period. will not permit mechanical treat- life, Parks and Tourism offices. Plants and seeds should be ment, hand scalping will serve as a Trees and shrubs are sold on planted as soon as possible to minimum treatment. Remove the a first-come, first-served basis. encourage good survival and early sod from a minimum 4-foot-diam- Orders for spring delivery are growth. eter circle at each planting site. accepted December through the Spot Treatment — As an alter- first full week of May. Orders for Preparing the Site native to scalping on sites where fall delivery are accepted from early Site preparation is one of the mechanical cultivation is not September to mid-October. Only most important, but often most practical, use a contact herbicide to selected species of container grown neglected, aspects of tree planting. kill competing vegetation. Spray a plants are available in the fall. Order Proper site preparation increases minimum 4-foot-diameter circle survival and growth of newly during the growing season before planted tree seedlings. Select any of planting. Plant a seedling or seeds the following methods, depending in the center of the treated area. on the soils, ground cover, and

Kansas Forest Service Figure 1 If perennial weeds or grasses such as smooth brome, fescue, bindweed, Johnson grass or nut sedge are a problem in the planting area, treatment with an appropriate contact herbicide is recommended the year before planting. Choose an herbicide that does not carry over in the soil. 1. Dig a V-shaped trench deep enough and wide enough to hold the Care Before Planting roots without crowding. A 10-foot trench will hold approximately It is extremely important to take 1,000 seedlings. care of the plants and stratified seeds from the time they arrive until they are planted. Many trees and seeds die before reaching the planting site because of improper care. Bare-root Plants When you receive your order, immediately inspect the trees, shrubs, or seeds. For bare-root plants and stratified seeds, open the box and count the plants and 2. Cut cords on the bundles, string seedlings out, and place the roots seeds. Report any shortages to the in the bottom of the trench. Make sure the roots are spread out. Kansas Forest Service by calling Place the plastic name tag by the seedlings for future identification. 888-740-8733. Moisten the packing medium, replace the plastic, reclose the box and store in a cool frost-free place. The ideal storage temperature is 33 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. If the weather does not permit immediate planting, leave the plants and seeds in the cardboard box. Check every 3 days to see if the packing medium is moist. The seedlings and seeds will remain in good condition for several days in 3. Replace the soil and water thoroughly. Watering allows the soil to the box. settle around the roots, removing air pockets. If there is a delay of more than 4. Water occasionally to keep the roots moist. a week in planting bare-root plants and they cannot be stored at the Figure 2 ideal temperature, heel them in the ground in a place protected from the Keep the roots moist by watering sun and wind. periodically with a mixture of fertilizer To “heel in” the trees and shrubs, and water. Mix one tablespoon of a low- see Figure 1. analysis fertilizer, such as 12-12-12, with 1 gallon of water. Apply as needed. Figure 3 Plant seedlings in a temporary location before new growth starts. Layout. Mark or flag If the plants leaf out and begin individual planting spots growth, wait until the following or rows before planting. spring before transplanting to a Straight rows will simplify cultivation. In Christmas permanent location. tree plantings and some timber plantings, it may Container-grown Plants be desirable to cross check Container-grown plants can be rows; that is, space the trees stored for several weeks in their the same distance between containers. Place the bundle of rows as within rows. This containers in a partially shaded permits cross cultivation. area protected from the wind. Do not set the containers directly on the ground or the roots will Bare Root. To plant bare-root trees quickly grow into the soil. Place the and shrubs, remove the seedlings containers on blocks or boards. See from the box or “heeling in” trench. Figure 2. Seedling root length varies within each bundle or group of plants. How To Plant To make planting easier, roots can be pruned or cut to a minimum Planting your trees, shrubs, and length of 8 inches. This can be done stratified seeds properly ensures a by pruning the entire bundle of high survival rate and good initial seedlings at one time with a sharp growth. Following are recom- knife or hand pruners. Once pruned, mended procedures for proper place the seedlings in a bucket planting. See Figure 3. partially filled with water. Make sure A product called “root slurry” can the roots are be used to increase plant survival submerged. by protecting roots from drying Carry the bucket to each planting site, removing the out during the planting process plants as they are needed. Keep seedling roots and keeping the area immediately moist at all times. around the newly planted roots moist while they grow and penetrate the soil. Container Plants. Container-grown plants Root slurry is an organic polymer should be carried to the field in their that holds 500 times its weight in container. Remove the seedling, soil and all, water. Used primarily on bare-root from the container before planting. Remaining pines, root slurry can be mixed in trees at the end of the day can be stored the bucket of water used to trans- in their container in a protected area until port seedlings to the planting site or needed. in a separate bucket to dip seedling roots in just before planting. If trees are remaining at the end Seeds. Stratified of a planting day, replace them in seeds should the cardboard box and store in a be taken to the cool place. Do not store the plants planting site overnight in the bucket of water. in their plastic storage bag. Remove seeds individually for planting. Rewrap in the plastic bag at the end of the day and store in a cool place. Methods of Planting Shovel or Auger (Hand- potting soil must be covered with 1 How seedlings or seeds are Planting) See Figure 4. inch of field soil to prevent it from planted depends on individual A common problem when using drying out. preference and available equipment. an auger is digging the planting Digging with an auger in soils Hand-planting with a power auger, holes too deep. Avoid digging the high in clay may cause a ‘glazing’ shovel or planting bar, and machine planting holes more than 2 inches effect on the sides of the holes. planting can all be successful, deeper than the length of the seed- This forces roots to circle in the depending on the method of site ling roots. hole without spreading out as they preparation used. Container-grown seedlings should. Tree life spans are often should be planted 1 inch deeper greatly shortened by this phenom- than grown in the container. The enon. If the planting holes show

Figure 4

Dig the planting hole large enough to accommodate the entire root system without crowding or bending. This is important because a shallow planting hole, causing the roots to turn up at the bottom, will result in seedling death.

Plant bare-root trees and shrubs the same depth they grew in the nursery. A soil line on the seedling may be visible, indicating plant depth. If the line cannot be seen, at least make sure all lateral roots are covered with soil. Pack moist soil firmly around the roots to remove air pockets and water, if possible. glazing, rough up the sides of the bare-root seedlings such as pine, the soil around the roots. Often, holes with a shovel, sharpshooter, cedar, and shrubs. Planting bars are air pockets remain in the bottom etc. to allow for root expansion. not recommended for container- of the slits made by the planting grown plants, black walnut, or other bar, causing the seedlings to die. A Planting Bar (Hand-Planting) large-rooted plants. series of diagrams illustrates the use When properly used, planting One of the most critical steps of a planting bar (see Figure 5). bars are helpful in planting small when using a planting bar is firming Figure 5

Planting Bar (Person planting is standing to left of seedling).

1. Insert planting bar 2. Remove planting 3. Insert planting at angle shown and bar and place bar 2 inches from push forward to an seedling at correct seedling. upright position. depth.

4. Pull handle of 5. Push handle of 6. Insert planting bar planting bar toward planting bar toward 2 inches from last you, firming soil at seedling, firming hole. bottom of roots. soil at top of roots.

7. Push forward, then 8. Fill in last hole by 9. Firm soil around pull backward, stamping with heel. seedling with feet. filling hole. Figure 6

Machine planting is a fast, labor-saving method for large planting jobs (more than 1,000 plants), particularly on light to medium soils Although most tree planting machines have soil-packing wheels, they often do not do an adequate job of firming the soil around seedlings, especially on poorly- prepared sites.

Following behind the planting machine straightening, checking planting depth, and firming the soil around each seedling can increase plant survival.

Figure 7 Mulching each seedling with a 3- to 4-inch depth mat of old straw, hay, corn cobs, or wood chips in a 4-foot-diameter circle around each plant will control vegetation and conserve soil moisture. A monthly mowing in the planting during the growing season is recommended.

Figure 8 It is helpful when planting to construct a saucer- shaped depression around each plant to aid in watering. Watering can be done by hand using buckets, hoses, or watering tanks, or by drip irrigation. In large tree plantings, watering may not be practical. It is especially important in these cases to do a good job of controlling the weed and grass competition. Machine Planting tree location, and then secured by Mulching (See Figure 7) Proper site preparation is critical staples. for correct functioning of a machine The fabric is labeled to have a Watering planter (See Figure 6). life expectancy of 5 years. However, Water seedlings to supplement it often lasts longer than expected. precipitation during the growing Planting Seed The weed barrier fabric should be season, if practical. During Planting stratified walnut or removed after 5 years to prevent extended dry periods, light, sandy pecan seeds can be done easily with stem girdling which will kill the soils may require supplemental a solid pipe, a stick, or your foot. trees. watering every 5 to 7 days, while Make a small planting hole 1 to Weed barrier fabric is an excel- plants in heavier clay soils may need 2 inches deep, drop in a seed and lent means of establishing tree watering every 7 to 10 days. cover with soil. It is recommended plantings. If the squares are used, Soil should be physically tested that 2 to 3 seeds be planted about weeds and grasses that develop first to ensure watering is necessary. 1 foot apart at each planting spot to between and within tree rows To test for soil moisture, penetrate ensure a tree grows at each location. should be mowed once a month the soil with soil probe, a shovel After germination is complete, pull during the growing season, or a (sharpshooter), a screwdriver, or out surplus seedlings. cover crop such as grain sorghum piece of rebar. Feel for evidence can be planted between rows. of moisture when the penetrating After-Planting Care device is removed. To make use of all available Cultivation Thoroughly watering plants in moisture and obtain the best Clean cultivation is recom- the fall before cold weather begins growth, it is necessary to keep mended to control weeds and keeps roots in good condition the plantings weed and grass free. grasses on non-erodible soils if weed throughout the winter months (See There are several ways to accom- barrier fabric is not used. Shallow (2 Figure 8). plish this: (1) weed barrier fabric; to 3 inches) discing between rows (2) clean cultivation; (3) strip or spot once a month during the growing Replacement and Protection application of chemical herbicides; season reduces weed and grass To ensure a complete and (4) mulch; or (5) a combination of competition. Be sure to keep equip- uniform planting, it is important two or more of the above. ment 12 inches from the seedlings to replant all tree and shrub losses to avoid injury. Hand weeding, during the first and second years. Weed Barrier chemical herbicide, or mulch Young trees and shrubs can be Weed barrier fabric controls applied in a 4-foot-diameter circle protected from rabbits and other weeds and grass within tree and around each plant is recommended rodents with repellents, protec- shrub rows while conserving soil to control direct weed competition. tive netting, protective tubes, tree moisture. The fabric is manu- shelters, or caging. factured in 4-and-6-foot-wide Chemical Weed Control Flagging or marking dead trees rolls that are laid directly over the Preemergent chemical herbicides before the first of September is seedlings after planting with a can be applied in a 3-foot-wide recommended. This way, dead machine pulled behind a tractor. band down each seedling row or in plants can be easily identified and Holes are cut into the fabric at the a 4-foot-diameter circle around each orders made for replacement plants plant location and the seedlings plant to control germinating weed for the following spring. are pulled through the hole. The seeds. Use chemicals with extreme machine plows a furrow on each care in strict accordance with label Fencing side of the seedling row, lays the directions. Monthly mowing or Livestock must be fenced out of edges of the fabric in the furrow and light discing between rows during all tree plantings. They compact the covers the edges with soil to hold the growing season will help reduce soil, reducing air and water move- the fabric in place. The fabric also weed competition, rodent popula- ment to the seedling roots, browse comes in 4-foot by 4-foot squares tions, and the potential for fire on young plants, and step on small that are installed by hand at each damage. seedlings. To have a successful planting where livestock graze, fencing is required. Help Is Available contact your local District Forester, Recommended Tree-planting machines are or you can get information from Publications the Natural Resource Conserva- available for loan or rent from some Chemical Weed Control in Tree and tion Service Area Office, county County Conservation Districts, Shrub Plantings, MF656 Department of Wildlife, Parks and Conservation District Office, or your K-State Research and Exten- Conservation Tree Planting Schedule, Tourism, and the Kansas Forest L871 Service. In some areas of the state, sion office. Fabric Mulch for Tree and Shrub tree-planting contractors are avail- Plantings, MF2216 able to plant and maintain tree and shrub plantings for a fee. A list of Kansas Forest Service—Serving Your these contractors may be found on Needs, L847 the Kansas Forest Service website. Living Snow Fences in Kansas, L744 For onsite recommendations Planting Black Walnut, L731 concerning what species to plant, Weed Control Options in Tree where to plant, spacing, appro- Plantings, L848 priate herbicides, and repellents, Windbreaks for Kansas, MF2120

John D. Klempa District Forester, SW

Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identi¥cation purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. Publications from Kansas State University are available at: www.ksre.ksu.edu Publications are reviewed or revised annually by appropriate faculty to re¦ect current research and practice. Date shown is that of publication or last revision. Contents of this publication may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. In each case, credit John D. Klempa, Tree Planting Guide, Kansas State University, May 2012.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service L596 May 2012 K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Gary M. Pierzynski, Interim Director.