Ohio Christmas Tree Producers Manual

Bulletin 670

Care of Trees Before Planting

Improper care of seedlings before planting can result in poor initial survival. Drying and heating are the major causes of injury during transport. Seedling bundles or cartons should be delivered as quickly as possible, and when received, they should be opened immediately. Roots and packing material should be moistened but they should not be allowed to stand in water.

If seedlings cannot be planted immediately after arrival, they must be stored carefully until planted. If they are to be planted within a week, seedlings may be kept in the bundles, bales or crates in a cool, moist location. Stock should be moistened, but not soaked, daily. If they must be stored for longer periods, it is best done in cold storage, if such facilities are available. Temperatures must be maintained above freezing, preferably about 35 degrees F and never above 400. Stock should be watered weekly; this can be facilitated by attaching a perforated tube to the end of a hose and inserting the tube into the bundles. If these recommendations are followed, seedlings can probably be stored safely for at least four to five weeks.

If cold storage facilities are not available, seedlings should be placed in heel-in beds to keep roots in contact with moist soil (Fig. 21). A trench is dug, seedling bundles are placed side by side, the trench is refilled and soil is packed tightly around the roots up to the root collar. If seedlings are to be left in the heel-in bed for an extended period, bundles should be opened and seedlings spread out to promote better contact between roots and soil. Heel-in beds should be located in moist, well drained soils in shaded areas. Heavy clay soils should be avoided because aeration is poor and roots can smother.

Fig. 21: Care of seedlings before planting. 1) Unpack immediately. Inspect and water. 2) Place in ground- "heeling-in." Dig trench in loose, moist soil. Break bundles and spread out evenly. Pack soil firmly and water. 3) When readytoplantseedlings:removeseedlings from "heel-in" bed; place seedlings in pail, keeping roots covered with thin mud or water at all times; carry pail of seedlings to planting site; remove and plant one at a time. 4) Plant as soon as possible. Delay reduces chances of survival.