![]() However, planting in either spring or fall is better than planting in summer, when temperatures are higher and less soil moisture is available, resulting in poor establishment rates. The results of experiments comparing the establishment rates of spring and fall tree plantings have varied, with no clear best season for planting (Ellington, 1985 Sloan, 1989). In Michigan, growers typically plant trees in the spring. (1994) showed that trees in boxes that were dropped had reduced root growth after planting compared to trees in boxes that were not dropped. If you need to store seedlings for longer than two weeks, place them in a V-shaped heeling-in trench (Stelzer, 2019).įinally, be careful when moving boxes of transplants. Plant the trees in the field as soon as you can after you receive them. Keep the tree roots moist, but don’t store them in standing water. Whenever possible, store the packages in a cool, dark place, such as a walk-in cooler. Store and treat these transplant containers as you would containers of fresh produce. Trees are usually delivered in boxes or paper bags. Another option is to plant trees like pines and spruces that are more forgiving of site problems than are less broadly adapted species like Fraser fir. It is better to take time to identify and improve a site’s problems (such as drainage, soil pH, or overabundant weeds) before planting trees than it is to plant trees and then have to work around them to correct the site’s problems. Planting tree species that are poorly suited to a site almost always results in poor establishment and growth. A Christmas tree stand with high tree mortality due to heavy weed pressure. Minimizing weed pressure is a priority for the entire length of the tree rotation. Use a combination of chemical and nonchemical control methods for best results. After planting, try to minimize weed pressure in the field, especially within a two-foot radius around each tree. A common method of accomplishing this is applying glyphosate in the fall before planting (Kuhns & Harpster, 2018). Identify the weed species that are growing at the site and tailor your weed control plan to control those species. Inadequate weed control is often a leading cause of transplant mortality and poor tree establishment.Įliminate weeds, especially perennial weeds, before planting. Fast growing weeds can easily outcompete transplants for light, nutrients, and most importantly, water (Saha et al., 2023). Control WeedsĬhristmas tree transplants are vulnerable to weed competition. Prune roots judiciously and dig the right hole.įollowing the best practices outlined in this bulletin for field preparation, species selection, tree planting, and more can lead to greater tree planting success.We’ll discuss the steps in roughly chronological order in this bulletin, but note that controlling weeds and monitoring for tree damage will be important throughout the Christmas tree rotation. Research, particularly on reforestation of conifer stands, has identified several critical steps in reducing transplant stress and improving tree survival and growth. Fields with high tree mortality can be replanted, but it means you’ll pay more for trees, for labor to replant, and in time when the field is not producing. If growers don’t prepare their fields adequately or if they use improper planting techniques, however, tree losses can increase dramatically. Reduce Tree Stress to Improve EstablishmentĬhristmas tree seedlings and transplants experience a great deal of stress throughout the transplant process, and even in ideal conditions, some may die. Both systems reduce weed pressure on the Christmas tree transplants. New Christmas tree plantings into tilled (left) and non-tilled (right) ground. To protect yourself, others, and the environment, always read the label before applying any pesticide.įigure 1. The information contained herein does not supersede the label directions. If you have questions about the legality and/or registration status for using pesticides, contact your county MSU Extension office. Some pesticides mentioned may no longer be available, and some uses may no longer be legal. ![]() However, changes in pesticide regulations occur constantly. This publication contains pesticide recommendations based on research and pesticide regulations.
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