These Guidelines For Bare Root Seedlings Could Make Or Break Your Success In Planting!
Your bare root seedlings have been grown in the best possible soils and have been carefully dug and packed. We hand them off, ready to plant and thrive in your farms and fields.
Observing a few general guidelines will maximize survival. These suggestions are very important, and attention to them (or lack of it) will greatly influence the ultimate success rate of your planting.
Preparation For Planting Bare Root Seedlings:
Obviously not all fields (or forests) can be prepared with tractors, but get ready as much as possible in the fall. Treat your bare root seedlings the same as any other crop you might plant. By September/October you should apply any necessary herbicides and plow your field. Disc it lightly, but do not rototill or fine disc; you want rain to fall into crevices and drain through, but over-finishing the surface may cause a “sealed” layer that needs more work. Consult your local farm supplier for advice on options to consider and proper timing.
Bare Root Seedling Planting Season:
Planting season can start anytime after Dec. 1 and can go as late as June 1; however, planting on those extreme outside dates is considerably riskier than sticking to the mid-season. The very best planting time in Western Oregon/Washington is Feb. 15 - April 1; the season is mild and rainy with little chance of weather conditions that would be detrimental to survival. Although the trees can withstand occasional normal frosty nights, planting much earlier can expose the trees to the risk of one of our very deep freezes. We recommend planning for mid-February so that a six-week window is available. Then, if weather is bad or unexpected personal events force delays, you will not find yourself planting late. Select a cool day that is expected to be followed by cool, rainy weather. Trees planted after April 1 may face risks from warm or windy conditions. Late planting also means forcing the use of cold storage, which should be minimized when possible. If an early or late planting is required, always watch the weather and avoid planting on riskier days. Be prepared to accept higher losses - possibly much higher losses. The trees will be ready by mid-March or sooner. You will be expected to assume any risk for a late plant date. A small incentive: cool pleasant days are nicer for you too, and your crews will work more effectively and efficiently. A little fog or drizzle is also great.
Storage and Care of Bare Root Seedlings After Pickup:
Trees/shrubs will tolerate cold storage to varying degrees. Factors include species, date packed and cooler conditions. Generally speaking, our nursery will recommend that when it comes to cold storage, less is better. Here, we will carefully monitor dates, temperature and air circulation. If you have picked up the plants and find you must put off planting, and have no cooler available, a good rule of thumb is to treat the plants much like you would a gallon of milk. Kept very cold on a back patio, milk will last a week or more; kept cool it will last for days, and warm temperatures will spoil milk in a few hours. The same temperatures and time frames apply to trees. If in doubt, ask yourself, “If I did this to milk, would it still stay fresh?” If not, the trees may be at risk, too. If you do elect to put the trees in a cooler, they will need plenty of air circulation and a temperature of 34-37 ºF. If they accidentally lightly freeze, they are probably fine. Thaw them slowly in the shade and plant immediately. Deep cold (below 27 ºF) will likely ruin them. Warm temperatures or stacking the bags may cause rot.
Actual Planting of Bare Root Seedlings:
Have everything ready so you can begin as soon as you arrive home; an ordinary shovel, hoedad (a special planting tool), and a deep, narrow tile shovel are common tools to use. For larger jobs, consider an auger (3″, available at rental shops or ordered from chainsaw stores) or planting machines. Remove only the bare root seedlings you can get into the ground in a few minutes, and keep their roots covered with a damp cloth or in a bucket of water (consider adding a water additive such as hortisorb to help attract summer moisture). Roll the tops of open bags and place in the shade. Be sure the roots are planted straight down and into the soil at the same level they were in at the nursery. Look at the stem to see a color change, which indicates the original growing depth. If hand planting: guide the roots into the planting hole with one hand, and tug slightly upward to straighten. Tamp in gently but firmly. In all methods, check to be sure there are no air pockets around the roots. A small amount of surface mold on the stem or roots is OK (it will wash right off), especially if it is late in the season, but report to the nursery any substantial mold, slimy wood, defoliation, or dry roots.
Important Points To Remember About Planting Bare Root Seedlings:
- Plan ahead. Have fields ready to plant by October.
- Plan to start around February 15, later than April 1 should be avoided if possible.
- Cool temperatures (under 38 ºF) are vital for bare root seedlings stored in the bag.
- Never stack bags except as necessary for transport. Any bags not planted immediately need to be placed in single layers to allow air circulation.
- Planting within 24 hours of pickup is highly recommended.
- Keep out of the sun at all times.
- Keep roots moist at all times. Never leave plants on the ground exposed to air. A five gallon bucket with 6″-8″ of water will help preserve plants in progress.
- Keep bags closed and roots covered. A moist cloth or peat moss will protect roots on opened bags. Roll tops down and tie shut any opened bags.
Avoid any weather extremes on planting day or in the forecast. Avoid cold, heat and wind. Check on hired crews or employees to verify storage, handling, and planting methods. Insist they follow the guidelines every minute of every day. Check in a few days for heaving or sinkholes around the roots and fix them.
