Southern Conifers

Handling

When giving seedlings to the planters, open and empty only one package at a time. Make sure that planters carry seedlings in bags or buckets. Never allow seedlings to be carried with roots exposed while planting. Have water and clay or synthetic gel dips available to keep the roots moist. Do not leave the seedlings’ roots in water, clay slurry, or gel solution for more than 1 hour. Repackage the seedlings in their original or in new packages.

Seedlings frozen for more than 1 day should be discarded. Seedlings frozen for short periods (less than 1 day) can be thawed and planted safely. Let the seedlings thaw slowly and completely before attempting to separate and plant them. Always handle frozen seedlings carefully because their roots are brittle and the tips may fall off when they are handled. Root systems damaged by freezing will appear limp and discolored. Discard seedlings that appear to have suffered freeze damage. Longleaf pine seedlings are extremely vulnerable to cold injury. Longleaf seedlings that have been frozen for even a short period should be discarded.