Planting Hardwoods

Handling

Proper care and handling of hardwood bareroot seedlings during planting is critical to seedling survival. Planting on cool, overcast days helps minimize seedling exposure to harsh, drying conditions. The seedlings’ roots must be protected from drying out at all times. Only take as many seedlings to the planting site as can be planted in 1 day. Seedlings should be removed from the nursery bundles and planted immediately or transferred to a planting bag where the roots can be kept moist.

Gently separate seedlings from the bundle, do not prune the roots, and keep lateral roots intact. The most important step during planting is protecting the roots. Cover seedling roots with moist burlap, peat moss, or similar material to protect them from drying out. Do not submerge root systems in buckets of water. Brief exposure of bareroot seedling roots to direct sunlight can dehydrate the seedlings and may kill them.

For planting large acreages, a planting bag can be used to carry seedlings to the planting site. Do not leave the seedlings in the bag longer than a few hours. When planting, always hold each seedling by the top of the shoot, never by the roots. Whenever possible, plant when the weather conditions are ideal (cool temperatures, overcast day, and adequate moisture). If water is available, watering after planting will help seedlings survive.