AS YOU PLANT,
TAKE CARE TO ...
Plant seedlings as deep or slightly deeper than they were
grown at the nursery. Trees not planted as deeply have a
poorer chance of survival.
Note: Longleaf seedlings must be planted at the same
depth as at the nursery.
like this not this not this
Plant seedlings UPRIGHT - not at an angle.
Roots should be
STRAIGHT in the
planting hole. Don't
cram them in; they
should not be "J" or
"U" shaped or look
"curled up."
Always plant in CLEAN,
PURE soil. Never plant trees
in loose leaves, litter or other
debris that creates air pockets.
Keep such materials out of
the planting hole. Clean soil
must be tightly packed
around the seedling.
STEPS IN BAR PLANTING
( 1 ) Insert Bar as show, and push handle forward.
(2) Remove the bar, and place seedling at correct depth.
(3) Insert bar 3 to 4 inches from seedling (toward you), and pull handle to
close bottom of hole.
(4) Push handle forward to close top ofhole.
(5) Remove bar, and carefully close the opening with your heel to avoid
injuring the seedling.
STEPS IN HOEDAD PLANTING
( 1 ) Swing hoedad from overhead downward, sinking the blade its full length
vertically into soil. (Minimum depth of slot is eight inches.)
(2) Pull the blade upward slightly by lifting the end of handle.
(3) Push the handle downward while pulling back to open hole.
(4) With blade in cavity to hold back loose soil, carefully place seedling in
hole, making sure roots are fully extended. Then remove the blade.
(5) Close the hole by inserting hoedad beside the seedling, then lifting up
and pushing down on the handle to tighten soil. Then push soil toward
seedling.
(6) Be sure planting slot is closed completely.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR HARDWOOD PLANTING
Depending on the species, most hardwood root systems are larger than
pine root systems. One of the most common mistakes in the hardwood
planting process is not providing for a hole large enough for the roots.
Special attention should be given to match the planting tool with the size
of the roots. Acceptable tools for hand planting hardwoods include a
KBC planting bar (for small hardwood roots), a long handled round
point shovel, or a power driven auger.
Spacing of Seedlings
Spacing recommendations are determined by site
quality, markets and landowner objectives. Here are
some very general guidelines.*
Sp.e.d.es _ Minimum/Acre _ Maximum/Acre
Loblolly Pine
300 (12x12)
625
(7x10)
Longleaf Pine
300 (12x12)
625
(7x10)
Shortleaf Pine
350 (11x11)
725
(6x10)
White Pine
300 (12x12)
625
(7x10)
Hardwoods
200 (12x12)
365
(7x10)
* For Christmas tree or hardwood plantation spacings,
see "Tree Planting Guide for Use in North Carolina."
To obtain a copy of this guide and for other forestry
assistance, contact your county forest ranger or a
forester in one of the NCFS district offices.
Follow-up Work
Some cut-over land plantings may need release work.
Release work involves cutting, or otherwise
controlling, unwanted trees that overshadow or crowd
the planted seedlings, thereby lowering the survival
rate and preventing proper growth. It is extremely
important that this release work be done as soon as
possible after the trees are planted. If you think
your plantings may need this release work, contact
your county forest ranger.
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Steve Troxler, Commissioner
Plant Them
The North Carolina Forest Service operates two
nurseries for the production of forest tree stock for
North Carolina landowners. Read this pamphlet
thoroughly to he sure you understand proper seedling
storage and planting.
ncforestservice.gov
The North Carolina Forest Service is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Its programs, activities
and employment practices are available to all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin,
handicap or political affiliation. _
NU 0113
