CARE OF SEEDLINGS

• Plant seedlings as soon as possible after you receive them.
• Seedlings may be stored in package for up to one week, if kept unopened, and in a cool dry place. If possible, store them in a cooler at 32-40 degrees.
• Basements and other cool shady areas are only suitable storage for 3-4 days.
• While planting, keep roots moist and out of direct sun.
• Do not water seedling until just before planting. Too much water (or heat) will encourage mold.

• It is advised that the project be machine planted by a Custom Tree Planting Contractor. For most people this is the best way to complete their project.
• If you, the landowner, decide to plant the seedling use a 12” Auger Posthole digger or hand operated posthole digger and dig down 1 ½ to 2 foot down to loosen the dirt enough below the root system so the root system can easily establish themselves quickly after planting.
• Try to have all your spring planted seedlings in no later than June 1st.

POST-PLANTING MAINTENANCE

• Mowing between rows may be necessary to reduce grass and weed competition the first and second year especially.
• Mowing between rows may be necessary to reduce cover for mice and rabbits to prevent fall and winter damage to trees.
• Noxious weeds should be controlled by mowing or spraying Round-Up or 2-4-D. KEEP CHEMICALS OFF TREES.
• Monitor competing vegetation and consult with your NRCS office if needed. A cover of Fescue or other dense perennial grass will need herbicide application. Sparse annual weeds should not be a problem.
• Maintain access/fire lane by periodically mowing as needed.

• Tree plantings CAN NOT be grazed by livestock
• Inspect the planting regularly for signs of insects or disease. If damage is observed, contact your local District Forestry Office.
• Protect the planting from destructive wildfire by installing firebreaks.
• Protect your seedlings from wildlife browsing and antler rubbing by installing Tree Tube Shelters shortly after planting.

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PLANTING TIPS

The first step in a successful tree planting is choosing a suitable planting location. Make sure that your seedlings are not competing with larger established trees for sunlight or root space. Give them their own space away from other trees and remember that even though they are small now, eventually they will be large and take much more space. Crowding your seedlings will only slow their growth and restrict them from reaching their potential.

Dig a hole large enough that the roots of the seedling can be spread out rather than packed tightly in a small hole. Make sure the seedling is planted at the proper depth. This should be obvious by observing the seedling and planting at the same depth as the seedling was when growing in the nursery. Pack the soil firmly around the seedling and water.

FERTILIZER

Do not fertilize your seedlings the year that you plant them. Their roots need to re-establish during the first growing season. After the first year, you can fertilize using a generic granular fertilizer such as 12-12-12 or 15-15-15. The best time to fertilize is February or March, right before spring green-up.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

• On plantings with fewer seedlings it may be feasible to put a circle of mulch around each seedling. This will help hold in moisture and cut down on competing weeds. Be careful not to pile mulch too deeply next to the seedling. Place the mulch in a 2-3 inch diameter circle around the seedling approximately 6 inch deep in a donut shape with the seedling in the middle.
• Make sure that your seedlings are not competing with weeds for moisture and sunlight.
• Protect your seedlings from browsing wildlife such as rabbits and deer. Plastic tree tube shelters such as those sold by Higgins Tree Farm will almost completely eliminate this problem.