NC Forest Service
Seedling Planting
Standards
Planting Categories
Satisfactory Day
Temperature: 33-75°F
Wind: Less than 10 miles/hour
Humidity: 50%+
Marginal Day
Temperature: 76-85°F
Wind: 10 miles/hour +
Humidity: 30-50%
Severe Day(not recommended)
Temperature: 32°F or less, or 85°
or more.
Wind: 15 miles/hour or more.
Humidity: 30% or less
Tree Planting Standards for
On Site Storage
 Store the seedlings in shaded
location at all times.
 A heat shield is preferred.
 Make sure roots are visibly moist
at all times.
 Keep opened bags closed tightly by
folding flap over bag and laying
flap-side down or by placing a
band or cord firmly around bag.
Keep in shade.
Tree Planting Standards for
Root Pruning
 Do not prune unless necessary
 When handling, carefully separate
seedlings to minimize damage to
root system.
 Remove only a small number
(handful) of seedlings at a time.
 Roots must be kept visibly moist.
 Do not prune tap or lateral roots of
loblolly or white pine seedlings
shorter than 4.5 “.
 Do not root prune the tap root of
longleaf seedlings.
 Excessively long lateral roots can
be pruned to no less than 6 “.
The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources is
an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Its programs, services, activities, and employment
opportunities, are available to all people regardless of
race, color, religion, sex, age, natural origin, disabilities,
or political affiliation.
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