New Mexico State Forestry Conservation Seedling Program - Planting
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
There are a number of methods and tools used to plant seedlings. Your method of
planting is for you to decide.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU PLANT THE SEEDLING WITH
THE SEEDLING STILL IN THE CONTAINER!!
The following are some planting guidelines:
BARE ROOT STOCK - HANDLING
Bare root seedlings are seedlings, which have been grown in an open field
nursery. They are lifted in the late winter while still in dormancy. The soil
is removed from the root system - hence the term "bare root seedling." The
seedlings are then bundled in lots of 25, wrapped in a water retentive medium and stored in coolers at temperatures between 34
degrees F and 38 degrees (F). Storing the seedlings keeps them from breaking
dormancy before planting. After shipment of the seedlings is made to the
customer it is important to plant the seedlings immediately. If it becomes
necessary to store the seedlings, place them in a cooler that will maintain a
minimum temperature of 34 degrees (F) and a maximum temperature of 44 degrees
(F). Do not leave them in the cooler more than 72 hours after receiving them.
When you are ready to plant them place them in a bucket of water and plant them
straight out of the bucket. Do not leave the roots of the seedlings exposed to
the sunlight. If the roots dry out the seedling will die.
SOIL PREPARATION
The soil you are using should be moist. The root system of containerized
and bare root seedlings need contact with moist soil to promote quick
adaptation to the planting site.
PLANT AT THE CORRECT DEPTH
When planting containerized seedlings you must first dig a hole as deep as the container holding the root system. Then take the seedling out of the tube it was grown in. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU PLANT THE SEEDLING WITH THE SEEDLING STILL IN THE CONTAINER!! Knead the seedling and gently tug the seedling out of the tube. If the seedling doesn't want to come out, turn the container upside down and gently tap it against a solid object. When you have removed the seedling, plant it in the hole only as deep as it was growing in the container. Bareroot seedling should be planted up to the top of the root collar
TAMP THE SOIL AROUND EACH PLANT
Bring loose, moist soil in around the root system while holding the seedling upright at the correct depth. When the hole is filled, press firmly to pack the soil. Do not over pack the soil! Water and place a layer of loose soil or mulch material around the seedling to conserve moisture. Using wood chips or bark as mulch will retain moisture and greatly minimize weeds growing in and around the seedling.
SPACING
The right spacing is important. Seedlings are small so there is a tendency to plant them too close together. Shrubs can be planted 3 - 6 feet apart in windbreaks, small trees at 5 - 8 feet, and large trees 8 to 18 feet. Spacing between windbreak rows is typically 12 to 20 feet, but should be spaced for mowing and cultivation equipment width plus 4 feet. Christmas trees are normally planted on 5 x 5 ft. spacing. See "Guidelines for Windbreaks in New Mexico" on our web page under "Other info", our "Reforestation Guidelines" pamphlet, or our "Growing and Marketing Christmas Trees in New Mexico" pamphlet.
CARE AFTER PLANTING
The first 3 to 4 years after planting are very important. The number one cause in loss of growth and mortality is poor weed control. The planting should be clean cultivated for as long as the cultivation equipment can work between plants and rows. A mulch or weed barrier can be used in place of cultivation. It is initially more expensive, but in the long run is more economical.
WATERING
Water or irrigate the planting in the early morning, late afternoon, or early evening every 3 to 5 days depending on the type of soils you have. Water a little more often in sandier soils with a little less water, and water a little less often in clay soils with a little more water. Do not over water! Sometimes, over-watering will cause mortality.
PROTECTION
If you're planting is near livestock, wildlife, and pets ask your local forester or extension agent for protection tips. There are protective devices called " Tree Shelters" you can purchase through a Forestry Supply catalog.
REPLACEMENT
Replace windbreak trees that die in the first 3 years. Usually, very few plants are lost after 3 years.
NEED MORE HELP?
| If you need further information
concerning where, when, and how to plant your seedlings, contact your local
EMNRD Forestry Division Office.
Santa Fe Main Office
|