Preparing Seedlings for Planting

Pruning Roots

Root systems are pruned following detailed specifications at some nurseries. Report deviations from pruning specifications to the nursery and the regional silviculturist/reforestation specialist.

Although root pruning generally is not recommended at the district or in the field, seedlings that were not pruned at the nursery may need pruning before wrapping. District pruning should be coordinated with the nursery. Any pruning must be done when the seedlings are wrapped, never at the time of planting. Use scissors or paper cutters for root pruning when seedlings are lying on the wrapping table. Long laterals may be snipped off at this time, but major alterations of the root system should be avoided. Pruning taproots is not desirable.

Root ends do not have time to heal (callus) over and to generate new growing centers when roots are pruned just before planting. Late pruning of seedlings, especially ponderosa pine, can cause trees to die. Long lateral root ends can be placed in the bottom of the planting hole without compromising future tree development.