Types of Hardwood Seedlings

Containerized

Containerized seedlings are grown and sold in a variety of containers from tubes to gallon buckets. They are transplanted using different planting techniques than those used for bareroot seedlings. Containerized seedlings can be used for harsh sites, for restoration projects (such as land reclamation), or for planting in the fall before the dormant season. Containerized seedlings are not recommended for large-scale planting because of their expense. If hardwoods are grown in containers that are too small, the roots’ growth may restricted, causing the seedling to become rootbound with its roots curled inside the container. Rootbound seedlings will not form a good, vigorous root system when they are planted. These seedlings may grow for several years, before they end up dying because they cannot get enough water during drought periods.

In some cases, containerized seedlings are preferred because their fine roots are intact when they are planted, reducing transplant shock. When bareroot seedlings are lifted, their fine roots may be lost. In addition, the roots of containerized seedlings retain moisture longer because they are surrounded by the soil in which they were grown.

Containerized seedlings grown in air-root pruning liners and containers have vastly improved root systems. Air root pruning produces seedlings with dense, fibrous root systems, improving transplantation success, growth, and survivability when the seedlings are planted during the fall or in drought-prone areas.