Forest Landowners Guide to Tree Planting Success

1 In many ways, planting trees is visionary. Imagine a forest where there was Most often, forests regenerate 15 to 20 years. It takes a dedi- once pasture, or woodland where and old fields grow up in trees cated landowner to plan decades there were once crops. Imagine a without our intervention. Some- ahead. Thankfully, many of us are, healthy, diverse forest, resistant times the best plan is simply to and our grandchildren and great to insects, fire, and disease, that monitor and support the natural grandchildren will benefit. will contribute to the property for growth of new trees. Some infor- This publication focuses on the generations. Planting trees has mation in this publication can values and methods of establish- many benefits: improved wildlife help you protect emerging and ing wooded areas on rural prop- habitat, high-quality trees for desired seedlings that have natu- erty. We’ll begin with suggestions timber or specialty wood prod- rally occurred. However, planting to help analyze the planting site ucts, revegetated buffers along trees can accelerate the natural and select appropriate tree spe- streams to protect water quality, progression or succession from cies, then provide guidelines for increased species diversity and field to forest or enrich a newly preparing the site and the planting resiliency, enhanced attractive- regenerating forest with an process, and finally, offer advice ness, and a more valuable estate uncommon species. on maintaining and supporting for your family or heirs. Many view Desired results are often evident the seedlings as they mature. tree planting as an opportunity to in as little as 5 years following Appendix A provides a calendar leave behind a legacy—one that planting; the planted area will outlining steps for tree planting may benefit future generations, begin to transform into a forest. reforestation projects. Use this wildlife, and the environment. The most immediate benefits are helpful calendar as a guide to the Whatever your purpose for plant- food and cover for wildlife, soil ero- tasks you should consider before ing trees, following the guidelines sion control, and improved water you start your project and how to outlined in this publication can quality. Harvesting trees in a first follow up for success. help you transform your land. thinning could begin as early as

FIGURE 1 This old pasture was planted with a mixture of hardwood seedlings 4 years ago. D. JACKSON PENN STATE EXTENSION

2 FIGURE 2 TOP LEFT Determining Planting These Norway spruce were planted in a dense Objective(s) clump to provide wildlife cover. Determining objectives for plant- D. JACKSON ing is important because it will PENN STATE EXTENSION often dictate the species and FIGURE 3 TOP RIGHT number of seedlings needed. These conifers were Objectives for planting are planted on an abandoned strip mine site. To alle- numerous and varied and include: viate compaction, the • Improving wildlife habitat- soil was ripped prior to food and/or cover planting. The site was also treated with an herbicide • Producing future timber/ prior to planting to control investment competing vegetation. S. SMITH • Providing a privacy screen PENN STATE EXTENSION or windbreak • Restoring a woodland FIGURE 4 BOTTOM Sycamores, with their dis- • Reintroducing a tree species tinctive bark pattern, can • Controlling erosion/improving be seen growing along water quality streams and in bottom lands. • Reforesting an old field D. JACKSON • Special uses such as Christ- PENN STATE EXTENSION mas trees, sugarbush, nuts, or energy crops

Try answering the following questions to help you determine your objectives: What purpose(s) do you want the planting to serve? Why do you want to plant trees? With some thoughtful planning and decision making, the trees you plant will meet your objectives and provide numerous environmental benefits as well.

Assessing the Planting Site growing conditions, while These trees will not tolerate Not all tree species are suited to south and west slopes are even moderate levels of shade. all sites. Observing and learning generally hotter and drier) If the site already has tree cover, about the planting site a year or shade-tolerant trees such as more before planting will provide These site factors influence eastern hemlock, blackgum, red useful insights. Consider the species selection. Some site spruce, or sugar maple would be following: conditions such as soil mois- better choices. • Soil type (drainage, fertility, ture, soil texture, and exposure Soil acidity or alkalinity (pH) and texture) are inherent to the site and not is another key factor in deter- • Periodic flooding easily changed. It is important mining which trees will grow • Amount of available sunlight to select tree species that can best on a given site. Most tree • Existing plant competition thrive under given conditions. For species prefer neutral or slightly • Exposure/aspect/orientation example, aspen, black cherry, acidic soils. Also important is of the terrain (north and east larch, red pine, and black walnut soil structure. Soils that are too slopes generally have better are shade-intolerant species. tightly compacted will resist root

3 penetration, slow the passage of soil fertility and pH. Contact are adapted to the site is import- water and nutrients, and inhibit your county extension office ant. The use of exotic species the free movement of oxygen for details. is discouraged today because and carbon dioxide. Hardwood many have become invasive and (broadleaf deciduous) trees tend Primary factors that limit tree now cause damage to native to grow best in loamy soils, a planting success plant and animal communities. mixture of sand, silt, and clay. • Soil drainage: excessively Because choosing the best tree Many conifers do just fine in drained or poorly drained species for a particular site is heavy clay or well-drained sandy • Existing competing vegeta- so important, consider seeking soils and can tolerate dry south- tion: grasses, weeds, and advice from a knowledgeable ern exposures better than most invasive plants natural resource professional or hardwoods. As a rule, conifers • Exposure/aspect: wind, sun, forester before ordering. can withstand adverse condi- and shade tions better than hardwoods. • Wildlife: deer, bear, voles, If a nearby but similar site and other small mammals Planting Density already has trees, those trees and Arrangement may be a good indicator of Selecting Tree Species Determining an appropriate existing site and soil condi- spacing between trees is neces- tions and what species may do The likelihood of project success sary when developing a planting well on your site. For example, greatly improves with clearly design. In general, plant trees at speckled alder does well on identified planting objectives and a closer spacing for quality hard- moist, heavy clay; sugar maple a selection of tree species that wood production. This encour- prefers fertile, moderately well- meet objectives and are com- ages straight boles and small drained soils; and American patible with site conditions. The lower branches that self-prune at sycamore prospers in periodi- goal is to plant the right trees in an earlier age. Plantings for wild- cally flooded soils along stream the right location. In other words, life use wider spacings, up to 20 banks and in bottom lands. plant tree species that will meet feet, to encourage crown devel- Another way to determine the objectives and grow well under opment and earlier seed produc- soil type on your site is to con- the given site conditions. tion. When determining spacing, sult the U.S. Department of Agri- The choice of tree species consider the tree’s crown width culture’s Soil Survey Maps, which for planting in the northeastern when it reaches a useful size. are available at your local conser- hardwood region is extensive. For example, when growing vation district office or online at There are dozens of species to trees for timber, allocate space websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov. choose from. Since tree planting so individual trees are just Soil samples can also be brought is somewhat permanent, carefully beginning to crowd one another to your local Penn State Exten- consider your choices. Selecting when they are large enough to sion office where, for a nominal a diversity of native species that support a commercial firewood fee, they are sent out to assess have no major pest problems and or pulpwood thinning, generally an 8- to 10-foot spacing. Higher densities will require thinning at an earlier age to remove excess FIGURE 5 For a planting project to be trees and reduce competition. successful, find the overlap Planting arrangement refers among site conditions, LANDOWNER to the pattern or distribution of ownership objectives, and OBJECTIVES characteristics of desired tree and shrub species across species. Some projects have more overlap and a planting site. For example, thus more choices for a mixed hardwood plantation species selection. may concentrate black walnut P. SMALLIDGE CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION TREE SPECIES PLANTING SITE seedlings on the deeper soils CHARACTERISTICS CONDITIONS of the lower slope and plant red and white oak seedlings on hill tops and convex-shaped slopes.

4 TABLE 1 | Tree selection table. Tree selection tables cross-reference the primary reason for planting with soil and site conditions to compile a list of possible tree species.

Site Use Deer Insect/ Stream bank/ Shade browse disease Wet Moist Dry Windbreak/ Timber/ riparian tolerant tolerant tolerant Tree species (hydric) (mesic) (xeric) screen lumber Wildlife buffer

Conifers Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) P G G G P G P F G P American larch (Larix laricina) G G G F P F F G G P Norway spruce (Picea abies)* G G F G P G F G G F White spruce (Picea glauca) G G F G P G P G G F Red spruce (Picea rubens) G G G G P G G G G G Red pine (Pinus resinosa) P G G P P F P G F P Pitch pine (Pinus rigida) F F G P F F P G F P White pine (Pinus strobus) F G G G F G F F F F Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris)* P G G P P F P G P P Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) P G F P P F F F F P Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) G G F G P G G P G G Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) G G P G F G G P P G

Hardwoods Box elder (Acer negundo) G G F F P F G F G G Red maple (Acer rubrum) G G F P F P G F G G Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) G G P F F F G P G G Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) P G F P G G F P G G Buckeyes (Aesculus spp.) F G P P P P G G G G Serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.) P G F P P G G F G G Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) F G P P G F P F G F Black birch (Betula lenta) P G F P F P F G G P River birch (Betula nigra) G F P P P F G G G P Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) F G G F P F F G P F Hickory (Carya spp.) P G F P F G F F G F American chestnut (Castanea dentata) P G G P G G F P P F Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) P G G F P G G F G F Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) P G F P P F G F G G Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) P G F P P G F P P G Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) F G G F P G F P G P American beech (Fagus grandifolia) F G P P F G F G P G White ash (Fraxinus americana) P G P P G P G P P F Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) G G F P F P G F P F Butternut (Juglans cinerea) P G G P F F G F P P Black walnut (Juglans nigra) P G P P G G G G F P Yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) P G F P G P F P G P Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata) P G P P F F G P G P Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) G G F P P F G P G G Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) G G F P P F G F G F Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) G G F G P F G F G P Bigtooth aspen (Populus grandidentata) F G G P P G G G F P Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) F G G P P G G G F P Black cherry (Prunus serotina) P G G P G G F G G P White oak (Quercus alba) P G G P G G F P F F Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) G G P P F G G P F F Chestnut oak (Quercus montana) P G G P G G P F F F Pin oak (Quercus palustris) G G F P P G G P F P Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) P G G P G G F P F F Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) F G G G F F G F P P Black willow (Salix nigra) G F P F P F G P G P Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) P G F P P G F F G P Basswood (Tilia americana) P G F P G F F P G G American elm (Ulmus americana) G G F P P P G F P F Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) F G P P P P G F P G *Nonnative species. G = good; F = fair; P = poor.

Source: Revised from “Northeastern Tree Planting and Reforestation” (Cornell University Cooperative Extension).

5 Sycamore and red maple will do wood quality as conifers force erized. Bare-root seedlings are better on the wetter sites. Plant- hardwoods to grow straight and the most common since they are ing a diversity of species will self-prune lower branches earlier. economical and easy to handle. ensure the site is less prone to Nurseries grow bare-root seed- attack by insects and diseases. lings in nursery beds, lift them The planting will also provide Ordering Seedlings during the dormant season, and a diverse habitat for wildlife. bundle them without soil. They After gathering information about Mixing conifers (e.g., white pine) are stored in refrigeration units the site, the best tree species, and hardwoods on a site is so they remain dormant until the number of seedlings needed, recommended. The benefits of shipped. They are described and the planned layout, it is time these mixtures include earlier using two numbers, such as to order seedlings. Plan to order crown closure, reduced cost over 1-0, 2-0, or 2-1 stock. The first trees in the fall or winter so they pure hardwood plantings, wind number refers to how many years can be shipped or picked up in protection, and improved hard- the seedlings grew in the orig- the spring. Ordering trees grown inal nursery seedbed, and the from seeds collected from the second refers to how many years region where you will be plant- they grew in a transplant bed. ing is preferred. These trees Transplants generally cost more, TABLE 2 | Spacing by trees per acre. are better adapted to local soil but they may be more resilient to Spacing (feet) Trees per acre and weather conditions and will transplanting stress. Seedlings 4 by 4 2,723 likely have a higher survival rate. should have a balanced 1:1 5 by 5 1,742 State forestry and wildlife agency shoot-to-root ratio. Those with 6 by 6 1,210 nurseries, county conservation large shoots in comparison to 7 by 7 889 districts, and private nurseries roots may be prone to dieback. 8 by 8 681 are possible sources of tree Containerized seedlings, or 9 by 9 538 seedlings. A rule of thumb is to tublings, are usually grown in 10 by 10 436 avoid ordering from nurseries a greenhouse in containers 11 by 11 360 more than 100 miles south and 12 by 12 303 between 1 and 2 inches in west of the state line. diameter. These containers are To calculate numbers of trees per acre, multiply Essentially, two types of seed- the planned spacing (in feet) within rows by the either plastic or biodegradable; lings are used in large planting spacing (in feet) between rows and divide that with plastic containers, it is nec- number into 43,560, the number of square feet projects, bare-root and contain- in an acre. essary to remove the container prior to planting. Containerized seedlings offer the advantage of less transplant shock and are TABLE 3 | Wildlife benefits of common trees and shrubs. useful for planting on dry sites or Plant type Species Wildlife benefits for planting later into the growing Evergreens/ White pine Winter cover for songbirds, deer, and other wildlife season. A third alternative is to conifers Eastern hemlock Nest sites for mourning doves and many songbirds purchase potted or balled and Spruce Food for red squirrels and many other songbirds burlapped trees. These are quite Red cedar expensive, difficult to handle, White cedar and not recommended for large- Nut trees Oak Food for songbirds, chipmunks, squirrels, deer, scale plantings. Hickory wild turkey, bears, and many other species Beech Walnut

Fruiting trees Black cherry Food for songbirds, fox, deer, wild turkey, and bear Serviceberry Nesting sites for cardinals and many other songbirds Flowering dogwood Hawthorn Blackgum Hackberry Source: Revised from 4-H project book The Wildlife Manager (Penn State Extension).

6 FIGURE 6 TOP Preparing the Site This photo depicts potted, containerized seedlings, Proper site preparation is or tublings, and “bare- root” seedlings. Because essential for planting success. bare-root seedlings are It is especially critical when economical and easy to handle, they are most planting hardwoods. Lack of commonly used for large site preparation is a leading planting projects. How- cause of seedling mortality. ever, they are the least flexible of all planting Controlling weeds, grasses, stock and must be planted undesirable brush, and inva- when seedlings are dormant. sive plants prior to planting is D. JACKSON necessary. Soil conditions will PENN STATE EXTENSION make little difference if the FIGURE 7 MIDDLE young tree receives little water Stem cuttings, such as or sunlight and has no room this shrub willow, are used to grow. Ideal conditions for to establish willow and poplar plantings. They seedlings are often ideal for are inexpensive and often weeds and other plants that used to establish stream protection plantings and compete for sunlight and water. short-rotation woody crop Site preparation often involves plantations. D. JACKSON mechanical or chemical treat- PENN STATE EXTENSION ments or a combination of the two. Most site preparation is FIGURE 8 BOTTOM LEFT done the season prior to plant- Sod-forming grasses, like tall fescue, can rob trees ing. Therefore, planning ahead of moisture and nutrients. is essential. In this photo, the row of trees on the far right received no site prepara- Preparing Old Field Sites tion treatment. To the left, the sod was sprayed with For old field sites, a combination a glyphosate herbicide of mowing and herbicide or her- prior to planting. D. JACKSON bicide and disking treatments PENN STATE EXTENSION are most effective. Herbicide treatments can include broad- FIGURE 9 BOTTOM RIGHT cast, spot, or row applications Using a backpack sprayer to spot-treat competing in the late summer or fall prior weeds and grasses in the to planting. Sites are most com- fall prior to planting is an effective way to prepare monly mowed in mid-August and planting sites. Marking then treated with a broad-spec- spots with flags or stakes will ensure seedlings are trum herbicide such as glypho- planted in treated loca- sate (e.g., Rodeo and Roundup) tions come spring. P. PANNILL and/or a preemergent herbicide U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE such as sulfometuron-methyl (e.g., Oust XP and Spyder) a few weeks later. Mowing encourages a flush of new growth, thus increasing herbicide effective- ness. If making spot herbicide In most cases, mowing or disk- vested the fall prior to planting. applications, it is a good idea ing alone is insufficient for con- If soil is compacted, light disking to mark your planting spots with trolling severe weed competition, prior to planting may be neces- flags or stakes as they may not except in recently row-cropped sary and can increase seedling be obvious in the early spring, sites. These sites generally survival. Allow time for soil to when most grasses and weeds need little or no site preparation, settle before planting. are brown. especially if the crop was har-

7 Preparing Existing also wish to introduce native tree effective at controlling competing Timber Stands species that provide food and grasses and ferns as well as Generally, carefully designed and cover for wildlife. sprouting from freshly cut stumps implemented silvicultural pre- Tree planting in existing timber of undesirable trees and brush. scriptions will lead to naturally stands is generally more suc- regenerated hardwood stands cessful when it occurs in open- Herbicides in Pennsylvania and across the ings created by timber harvests Properly applied, herbicides Northeast. However, there are or natural tree mortality rather provide a safe and effective way instances when enrichment than under an existing canopy. to eliminate weeds, grasses, plantings are necessary and Planting success in these and brush that compete with desirable. Enrichment plantings “regeneration openings” can be seedlings for sunlight and water. may be used to introduce geneti- improved by cutting and using Fall herbicide applications are a cally improved varieties, such as an herbicide to control any unde- common site preparation treat- American chestnut, or species sirable herbaceous vegetation, ment prior to planting. Summer that are difficult to regenerate, trees, and shrubs prior to plant- herbicide applications are rec- such as oak. Landowners may ing. Herbicide applications are ommended annually following planting until trees are well established, possibly for up to 5 years (see Postplanting Mainte- FIGURE 10 TOP LEFT A skid steer with tracks nance section). and brush hog deck When choosing an herbicide, mounted on the front is used to mow overgrown consider the targeted weed(s) old field sites prior to and application method that planting. Follow-up herbicide treatments will still best protects desirable plants, be necessary to control the user, and the environment. competing and invasive plants that resprout. Apply preemergent herbicides D. JACKSON before weeds appear. Use post- PENN STATE EXTENSION emergent herbicides to control already established weeds and FIGURE 11 TOP RIGHT This striped maple was other vegetation. cut and stump treated When mixing and applying with a herbicide contain- ing triclopyr to prevent herbicides, wear appropriate it from resprouting and protective clothing (see product competing with planted seedlings. label) such as rubber gloves, D. JACKSON rubber boots, long-sleeved shirt, PENN STATE EXTENSION and eye protection. Apply herbicides to dry foliage so spray FIGURE 12 MIDDLE This site was prepared will adhere well. Wind speeds by first applying a gly- of less than 10 mph reduce phosate herbicide and then lightly disking a few chemical drift onto desirable weeks later. seedlings or nearby plants. See D. JACKSON PENN STATE EXTENSION the Penn State Extension Forest Vegetation Management website

FIGURE 13 BOTTOM at extension.psu.edu/fvm for This regeneration herbicide application methods opening was prepared for planting by felling and products. residual “cull” trees. The seedlings were placed in tree shelters to protect seedlings from deer browse and allow for spot herbicide applications to control competing vegetation. D. JACKSON PENN STATE EXTENSION

8 intense heat and water stress. FIGURE 14A TOP Seedling Care Plant seedlings to the Planting in the fall may expose same depth they grew in and Handling trees to severe winds and cold the nursery. Look for the temperatures, which can desic- root collar as pointed out Plant seedlings soon after they Root collar in this image and plant to arrive, preferably within 24 hours cate seedlings, as well as frost that depth. heaving when the ground freezes G. GILMORE and no more than one week. PENN STATE EXTENSION Store them in a cool, damp and thaws. Calm, cool, and over- environment in the original pack- cast days are best for tree plant- FIGURE 14B BOTTOM ing. Under these conditions, roots While planting, keep aging, protected from freezing. seedling roots moist by are less likely to dry out before Stack bundles loosely to provide carrying them in a bucket ventilation. Keep roots moist by getting them in the ground. of muddy water. D. JACKSON adding a small amount of water PENN STATE EXTENSION to the open end of the bundles, Planting Seedlings and do not handle seedlings until you are ready to plant. 1. Seedling roots should be kept When transporting, take care to moist and cool at all times by protect seedlings from exposure carrying them in a bucket of to wind and direct sunlight. Do muddy water or planting bag not transport seedlings in the with wet towels, peat moss, bed of a truck unless it is a cool, or burlap. Roots may also cloudy day or they are covered be covered with one of the with a tarp. Be careful not to hydrophilic gels or moisture damage stems and buds. Buds enhancers. Never carry bun- are the source of new growth, dles of seedlings in your hand which the tree will need to get exposed to the air or com- established. At the planting site, pletely immersed in a bucket keep extra seedlings wrapped of water for extended periods tightly in their original packaging, of time. covered with a reflective tarp, 2. Dig a hole with a planting and stored in the shade. Only shovel, mattock, or auger. If remove from storage what can be using a planting bar (see Fig. planted that day. 15), work the blade vertically into soil, first pushing the handle away and then pulling When to Plant it toward you to open a plant- In Pennsylvania, the best time ing hole. It needs to be deep to plant is between early March enough to accommodate roots and early May. Plant once frost vertically. leaves the ground and prior to 3. Set the seedling at the same bud break, when seedlings are depth it grew in nursery, only dormant. It is essential to plant as deep as the root collar. bare-root seedlings before buds Roots should be straight, not and push it forward toward begin to swell and new growth balled or twisted. Long lateral the seedling to close the top. starts to emerge. Plant as early roots can be pruned to aid in 5. Gently pack soil around roots in the spring as possible, when planting. using your hands or the there is high soil moisture and 4. Hold the tree straight while heel of your boot. This will cool temperatures. This will the planting hole is backfilled. eliminate air pockets, which help ensure root establishment If using a planting bar, push can desiccate roots. To test before the hotter, drier summer the blade into the soil just whether a seedling is planted months. Trees planted after mid- behind the planting hole; properly, give it a firm but May might not survive summer’s pull the handle toward you to gentle tug. It should remain close the bottom of the hole, firmly planted.

9 FIGURE 15 Augers These three diagrams Augers are another useful tool illustrate correct and Correct and Incorrect Planting Depths incorrect planting for planting trees. They can be depths, how to use a mounted on a tractor or skid planting bar or dibble to plant seedlings, and steer or handheld and powered how to use a mattock by two-cycle engines and are to plant seedlings. used on steep, rocky soil and SOURCE: REVISED FROM “HOW TO PLANT A TREE” where logging debris may be (THE GREEN WORLD CORRECT At the same INCORRECT Too deep INCORRECT Too shallow PROJECT) present. There are a couple of depth or ½ inch deeper and roots are bent. and roots are exposed. than the seedling grew pitfalls when using this type of at the nursery. equipment. In clay soils, the sides of the hole can become Dibble Planting “glazed,” preventing tree roots Planting or “dibble” bar from growing beyond the loose soil in the backfill. Another common problem is losing backfill material in debris that surrounds the planting hole. Pre- vent this by first scalping grass, 1 Insert the dibble as 2 Remove the dibble 3 Insert the dibble 2 shown and pull it toward and place the seedling inches from the seedling leaves, and other debris away you. at the correct depth. toward you. from the hole before augering. Be sure to properly pack soil back into the planting hole to prevent later settling. Settling can also be minimized by augering the hole only as deep as necessary to accommodate the 4 Pull the handle of the 5 Push the handle of 6 Firm the soil around tree roots. dibble toward you, rming the dibble away from you, the seedling with your the soil at the bottom rming the soil at the top foot. of the roots. of the roots. Machine Planting Machine planting expedites Mattoc Planting large-scale operations, such as establishing a plantation in a large, open field. Machine planting is not suited for planting in woods or on rocky or steep terrain. Two people are necessary for this job: one to drive the 1 Insert the mattock, lift 2 Place the seedling 3 Fill in and pack the tractor and one to ride on the the handle, and pull up. along the straight side soil to the bottom. at the correct depth. planter. The planting machine creates an opening or slit in the soil, and the person riding in the tree planter places a seedling in the soil at regular intervals. The angled rear wheels of the planting machine finish the job

4 Finish lling in the soil 5 Firm around the seed- by closing the hole and packing and rm with your heel. ling with your foot. soil. When conditions are right, planting thousands of seedlings in a single day is possible.

10 FIGURE 16 TOP Protection Some common tree planting tools include a Protecting seedlings once tree planting bag, KBC bar, dibble bar, mattock, they’re in the ground is one of and auger. An auger works the most important aspects of well for planting hardwood seedlings with relatively any successful planting project. large root systems. A A common recommendation to hoedad (inset), similar to protect your investment is to a mattock, is another tree planting tool commonly use tree shelters, also called used when planting large tree protectors or tree tubes. quantities of conifers. D. JACKSON Shelters shield seedlings from PENN STATE EXTENSION harsh weather, animal predation, mowers, and herbicide spray. FIGURE 17 MIDDLE Tractor-pulled tree plant- They provide increased protec- ing machines work well tion from deer and rodents, when planting conifers provide a better growing site by in large, open fields and allow thousands of trees reducing wind and increasing to be planted in a single humidity, and make follow-up day with little effort. H. WEBSTER herbicide applications faster and PENN STATE DUBOIS, RETIRED easier by shielding seedlings from spray. FIGURE 18 BOTTIOM Tree shelters provide Tree shelters are designed a “greenhouse effect” for hardwood seedlings. Most by reducing wind and conifer species do not thrive in increasing humidity. They also protect seedlings tree shelters. Tree shelters are from deer and rodents and expensive and may not be eco- make herbicide applications faster and easier by nomical for large projects. If deer shielding seedlings from browsing is a problem, an 8-foot spray. D. JACKSON woven-wire fence erected around PENN STATE EXTENSION the entire project area may be more cost effective. The cost of tree shelters should include a support stake and bird netting to cover the top of shelters. With- out netting, birds may enter the tubes in search of nesting sites and become trapped. Most tree shelter manufacturers provide instructions for assembly and installation. Stakes are generally purchased separately. Use something durable, such as oak, locust, or treated pine, that will last for a number of years.

Deer In areas with high deer impact, browsing on newly planted tree seedlings is a real concern. Deer can devastate a planting project, causing tree mortality and deformed seedlings. As seedlings grow into sapling size

11 (1–5 inches in diameter at breast tures. Voles can damage and kill herbicides is another key to height), bucks rubbing their ant- trees as large as 3–4 inches in avoiding vole damage. Controlling lers can also be an issue. Tree diameter by gnawing on roots weeds and grasses around seed- shelters at least 4.5 feet tall will and girdling stems. They are a lings discourages voles by remov- minimize deer browsing impact. leading cause of failures in tree ing their protective cover. Mowing To deter buck rubbing, keep shel- planting projects. To protect the entire planting area in old ters in place as long as possible, seedlings from voles, use a fields with severe vole problems until tree is nearly the diameter shelter at least 12–18 inches is also an option. of the tube. Another alternative in height secured tightly to the is to cage trees with woven-wire ground with a stake. Periodically Bears or plastic mesh fencing. inspect shelters, tapping them Sometimes bears will destroy tight to ground. This is particu- your planting investment. Bears Voles larly important in spring, follow- are curious animals. Some Voles are small mouselike ing winter frost heaving soil that people speculate that bears view rodents, and they can be quite lifts shelters and stakes. Weed tree shelters as toys. Others numerous in old fields and pas- control around seedlings using have suggested that bears destroy tree shelters in search of wasp larvae, as wasps often build nests inside the tube. Short shelters, 18–24 inches

FIGURE 19 TOP LEFT in height, may attract fewer In areas with high deer wasps than traditional 4-foot impact, a 4-foot-tall tree shelter is inadequate at shelters and therefore may help protecting tree seedlings avoid bear damage. However, from browsing. This red these short tubes do not protect oak seedling was browsed heavily as soon as it seedling from deer browsing. In emerged from the top of areas where seedlings require the shelter. D. JACKSON protection from deer, consider PENN STATE EXTENSION using woven-wire fence or plastic mesh. Cut fencing or mesh FIGURE 20 TOP MIDDLE Voles will tunnel beneath to length and form it into 1- to tree shelters to nest and 2-foot-diameter circles to place gnaw on tree roots and around seedlings. stems. Control weeds and grasses around seedlings and push or tap shelters back down in early spring Postplanting Maintenance following winter frost heaving. D. JACKSON Do not expect to walk away from PENN STATE EXTENSION seedlings once they are in the ground. Periodic inspections are FIGURE 21 TOP RIGHT Rodent gnawing damage. necessary several times each D. JACKSON year for the first 4–5 years to PENN STATE EXTENSION discover and address problems and ensure seedlings are holding FIGURE 21 BOTTOM Bears can damage their own against the environ- planting projects. Some ment. Maintenance includes speculate that they view shelters as toys or that controlling weed competition they are possibly looking using either mulch or herbicides, for a meal of wasp larvae. D. JACKSON repairing or replacing damaged PENN STATE EXTENSION tree shelters and broken stakes, and pruning trees to maintain proper tree form. During inspec- tion, be sure to bring extra shel-

12 ters, ties, stakes, a hammer, and FIGURE 22 TOP Correct for tree form by pruning shears. pruning out double leaders Checking and maintaining when trees are young. Also, tree shelters is essential; you removing lower branches as the tree grows in height may find shelters damaged or will improve tree quality and destroyed by curious bears, encourage height growth. D. JACKSON wind, snow, or ice, or leaning as PENN STATE EXTENSION a result of broken ties or rotted stakes. Broken stakes can FIGURE 23 BOTTOM LEFT A better alternative to topple trees, pinning and killing mowing planted areas to them. This also allows rodents control weeds is to spot- easy access to the seedling. As treat around individual trees with a broad-spec- trees approach the top of the trum herbicide. D. JACKSON tube, remove bird netting. If not PENN STATE EXTENSION removed, growing shoots can become intertwined in netting, FIGURE 24 BOTTOM MIDDLE causing new growth to curl or FIGURE 25 BOTTOM RIGHT Organic mulches [24] and “pigtail.” As the tree diameter commercial weed barrier reaches that of the shelter, fabric [25] can provide remove the shelter to protect some level of weed control around planted trees. the young trunk from possible [24] H. WEBSTER PENN STATE DUBOIS, RETIRED girdling. Many shelters claim [25] D. JACKSON to “break down” or biodegrade PENN STATE EXTENSION from sun exposure over a period of years. However, it is always important to check and make sure the shelter is not restricting tree diameter growth.

Weed Control Controlling weed competition around individual seedlings is one of the most important maintenance practices performed during the first 3–5 years. Controlling weed competition will reduce vole damage, provide greater air circulation, and increase the amount of sunlight, nutrients, and water available for newly planted trees. Many old field plantings require the application of a broad-spectrum herbicide spray. If significant grass whenever possible. Mowing does bicide such as glyphosate (e.g., and weed growth is trapped not eliminate the roots of vege- Rodeo and Roundup) at least inside the shelter, simply slide tation competing for water and twice annually to control compet- the shelter up and pull or care- nutrients. Mowing may damage ing vegetation around shelters. fully spray this vegetation. seedlings, cause soil compac- When using an herbicide, apply tion, and favor the establishment it to a 3- to 4-foot-diameter spot Mowing of grasses that are severe com- around each tree, being careful Unless there is a severe small petitors to tree seedlings. not to get spray onto seedling rodent problem, mowing the By avoiding such mowing, some foliage. Tree shelters work well entire planting area is not recom- natural tree seedling regenera- at protecting seedlings from her- mended and should be avoided tion may occur between planted

13 trees, giving the site a more nat- cies. This publication provides an (Ithaca: Cornell University ural appearance. Also, mowing overview of options, but it can’t Cooperative Extension, 2009), destroys beneficial wildlife habitat cover detailed advice about spe- www2.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/ and prevents natural succession cific situations. For that, consult info/pubs/management/ of the site from occurring, thus a natural resource professional. TreePlantingBulletin12-09.pdf. slowing the reforestation process. With proper planning and imple- However, you may find it neces- mentation, your tree planting proj- Pijut, Paula M., “Planting and sary to control undesirable and ect will be successful. Care of Fine Hardwood Seed- invasive tree and brush species lings: Planting Hardwood that commonly invade old field Seedlings in the Central Hard- sites and disturbed woodlands by Resources wood Region” (West Lafayette: mowing, pulling, or spraying. Publications Purdue University Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regen- Jacobson, M., and D. Jackson, eration Center, 2008), https:// Forest Finance 7: Tree Shel- Conclusion www.extension.purdue.edu/ ters—A Multipurpose Forest extmedia/fnr/fnr-210.pdf. Even when planned carefully and Management Tool (University all necessary precautions are Park: Penn State Extension, Wise, D., et al., Landowner Guide taken, 10–20 percent seedling 2004), extension.psu.edu/ to Buffer Success (Harrisburg: mortality is not unusual. Replace- natural-resources/forests/ Chesapeake Bay Foundation, ment planting in successive finance/forest-tax-info/ 2007), www.cbf.org/ years can help recoup losses. A publications/tree-shelters. Document.Doc?id=257. successful planting comes from a Ochterski, J., P. Smallidge, and combination of good timing, good J. Ward, “Northeastern Tree luck, hard work, and knowledge Webinar Planting and Reforestation” Jackson, D., “Landowner Guide of the planting site and tree spe- to Tree Planting Success,” Webinar Recording, Penn State Extension Forest Resources,

FIGURE 26 September 13, 2011, Natural tree seedling ecosystems.psu.edu/ regeneration will be research/centers/private encouraged by not mowing between planted -forests/outreach/pa-forests trees. Naturally occur- -web-seminar-center/archive/ ring seedlings, like the walnut shown here, give forestry-series/2011/ the site a more natural tree-planting. appearance and speed up reforestation. D. JACKSON Websites PENN STATE EXTENSION Nursery Industry Business Directory, Find Nurseries.Com: www.findnurseries.com

Penn State Extension Forest Vegetation Management: extension.psu.edu/fvm

Plant Native: www.plantnative.com

14 Appendix A: Tree Planting Project Calendar—Steps to Tree Planting Success

Year Prior to Planting Year Following Planting

April and May February through March • Review and identify planting objectives. • Check tree seedling protectors/shelters. • Investigate whether government cost-share pro- – Fix or replace any downed, damaged, or leaning grams are available. protectors. • Request tree seedling flyers from nurseries. – Replace broken or rotten stakes. – Remove any wasp nests. May through June • Assess survival and mark any missing or dead • Walk site with natural resource professional. trees. • Assess soil moisture and competing vegetation. April through May August through December • Replant if necessary. • Prepare site—treat competing vegetation. • Calculate acres, lay out spacing, determine May through June and August through September number of seedlings needed for each species. • Herbicide competing vegetation as necessary (two applications may be necessary each year). Year of Planting Years 2 through 5 Following Planting January through March • Place tree seedling order; note delivery date. February through March • Schedule time and planting assistance. • Maintain tree protectors/shelters and stakes. • Prune as necessary to promote correct form. March through April – Remove any double leaders. • Receive trees and plant immediately. – Slowly prune lower branches to promote clear • Install tree seedling protection/shelters. stems.

June through October May through June and August through September • Inspect seedlings monthly; maintain protectors. • Herbicide competing vegetation as necessary. • Monitor competing vegetation and treat with her- • Remove protectors/shelters once tree begins to bicide as necessary. reach shelter diameter; consider the risks when removing shelters.

15 Forest Landowners Guide to Tree Planting Success

Prepared by David Jackson, forest resources educator, and Ruth Lunt, Pennsylvania forest steward.

Cover photos by David Jackson (lower left and top right), Katie Mann (lower right), and Brian Salvato (top left).

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