The Kansas Conservation Tree Planting Program offers plantings of two types:
bare-root seedlings and container-grown seedlings. Stratified seed is also available for selected species. Below you will find descriptions of each of these growing techniques along with their advantages
and disadvantages.
Bare-Root Seedlings
Bare-root seedlings are grown in the field and are about 12-16 inches in height.
In the digging process some of the roots are lost. Although it takes
slightly longer to establish themselves, when conditions are conducive
to planting, bare-root plants
still have good survival rates. Bare-root plants are dormant when you receive them.
Container-Grown Seedlings
Container-grown seedlings are grown in individual containers which
measure 1½ inches wide and 8 inches deep.
Each seedling is about 12-16 inches in height. Container-grown
seedlings have an intact root system and come to you in the original
container in which they grew from seed. The roots are actively growing
when you receive them.
Container-grown seedlings are started in a greenhouse where temperature, humidity, light, carbon dioxide and nutrients are carefully controlled. When seedlings are removed from the container, the roots hold the soil in a plug. The seedling roots and soil remain undisturbed when planted,
assuring that growth will be nearly uninterrupted.
The advantages of container-grown seedlings when compared to bare-root seedlings are listed below.
- Improved survival and first year rate of growth under most conditions
- Usually get a one year jump in growth
- Extended spring planting season
- Greater flexibility in scheduling tree planting around soil and weather conditions and work schedule
- Easier to plant properly
Stratified Seed
Stratified seed and bare-root seedlings are from the same seed source. The difference between them is that stratified seeds are actual seeds while bare-root seedlings are one year old plants grown from seed.
Some seed must be treated to encourage germination because they are immature or have hard seed coats when they fall off the tree. The term "stratified" refers to the treatment process of alternating layers of seed and soil or moist peat moss and then being stored in a cool area, about 40°F, for a specific period of time.
After treatment approximately 60% of the seed will germinate. To compensate for this level of germination, we plant 2 to 3 seeds per location.
Stratified seeds are often pilfered by squirrels and other wildlife and they may do serious damage to the seed before they germinate. One way to protect seed from squirrels is to plant them in a
modified tin can.
Stratified seeds are easier and cheaper to plant, however, success of seedlings are much more predictable.
If the seed does germinate, by the end of the first season the resulting seedlings are usually the same size as seedlings planted at the same time.
If you have additional questions, please contact us.
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