Planting Hardwoods

After Planting

Once seedlings are in the ground, a maintenance program should be developed. Watering helps newly planted hardwood tree seedlings, but may not be feasible for large-scale plantings. Weed control for the first three to four growing seasons will greatly increase seedling survival and growth. The minimum weed-free area around the seedling should be a 3- to 4- foot-diameter square or circle. On small-scale plantings, weed control can be accomplished with mechanical tilling equipment, mulches, weed barrier fabric, or chemical control (herbicides applied with hand-held or backpack sprayers). Large planting sites require a tractor-mounted cultivator or disc.

After 2 years, a cultivator or disc may damage tree roots. Herbicide application for large planting sites is most easily accomplished using a power sprayer mounted on or pulled behind a tractor.

Mowing is not considered adequate weed control. Mowing increases sunlight to the seedlings, but does not eliminate the root systems of vegetation that competes for soil moisture and nutrients. Mowing may damage the seedlings, compacts the soil, and favors the establishment of grass, a serious competitor. Mowing should be avoided whenever possible, except for access lanes. Removing the shoot and root systems of competing vegetation during the first 3 to 4 years can make the difference between success and failure of plantings.