Care of Seedlings in the Field

Seedling Preparation

When removing seedlings from tree boxes for field planting:

• Protect seedlings at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations, or contact with injurious substances.
  
  
• Do not handle frozen stock before it has thawed completely.
  
  
• Do not remove seedlings from shipping boxes until they are placed in planting bags or wrapped. If water has accumulated in the planting bag, empty the bag before adding the seedlings.
  
  
• Use planting bags that are at least 15 inches deep for bareroot stock. Canvas bags with a silver-colored reflective material on the outside and an inside compartment of neoprene with drain holes are preferred. These specifications should be included in the contract.
  
  
• Protect tree seedling bundles from drying out during transport. Do not transport them exposed in open trucks. Transport bundles inside tree boxes with the tops of the seedlings exposed to air in insulated tree transport units, covered vans, canopied pickups, or trailers.
  
  If it is necessary to stack boxes for transport, wrapped seedlings may be laid horizontally in original nursery bags and placed in boxes for short periods. Do not roll or seal the bags. Once at the site, bags should be reopened and bundles placed upright. Air exchange is important when seedlings are exposed to temperatures higher than 36 degrees Fahrenheit.