Bare-Root Seedlings
One of the most common causes of planting failure is to allow the seedlings to dry out during the planting operation. Small roots dry rapidly when exposed to sun and wind. Seedlings can easily be protected during the planting operation by wrapping bundles of seedlings in wet burlap, or
placing the seedlings in a bucket with the roots covered with moist packing medium or water. Plant the seedlings immediately upon removing them from protection. Even a few minutes delay can be serious.Dig the planting hole deep enough to accommodate the roots in their natural position. Do
not twist the roots or otherwise force them into a small hole. Roots may be pruned to a minimum length of 8 inches to facilitate planting. Protect the roots from drying during the pruning operation. Proper planting depth is at the same depth or slightly deeper (no more than 1 inch deeper)
than they grew in the nursery. Place soil around the roots and firm it to remove air pockets from around the roots. Water thoroughly.
Sweating
Some plants benefit with storage at higher temperatures. Strong drying winds may
desiccate tree tissue, and the buds may fail to break. Some species overcome this problem by being "sweated". Keep the top and root covered with moist sawdust, hay, or such at room temperature. Once
buds swell, ready to pop into growth, planting should proceed. Some species with which sweating is helpful are:
Container Seedlings
Dig the planting hole slightly deeper (8 to 9" deep) than the root plug so that when planted, the root plug will be covered with 1/2 - 1 inch of soil (exposed peat moss acts as a wick drying the root plug very quickly). Place soil around the root plug and firm it to remove air pockets
from around the roots. Water the seedlings after planting.
Pecan and Walnut Seeds
Plant 2 inches deep. Since some seed will not germinate (usually about 60 % germinate), most people plant 3 seeds per hill. Firm soil around the seeds, and water. Mark the spot with a stake or flag to aid in locating the plants later. If more than one seed grows, select the best plant
and pull the others out.
Since pecan and walnut are tap root species, it is best to plant the nuts in their permanent locations. If it becomes necessary to transplant the seedlings, do so before the second growing season.
Squirrels have an uncanny way of finding planted
Pecan and Walnut seed. One way to protect the seed is to plant them in a tin can.
Cuttings
When planting in very loose soil, the cutting can be pressed into the ground by hand. In hard or rocky soil a tool is needed to make a hole should be used. The cuttings should be planted in an upright position (the buds point to the top) with most of the cutting below ground leaving only one
or two buds above the surface. Soil around the cuttings should be firmed to eliminate air pockets. It is important that the bottom of the cutting be in wet soil, or that it be irrigated often to keep the soil moist until the plant is well rooted. Willow cuttings for bank stabilization are
normally spaced at 3 ft. x 3 ft. |
