Belowground Compliance

A subsample of the trees on the plot also will be inspected for belowground compliance. Select the trees to be dug randomly from trees that were satisfactory aboveground. Use a hand trowel or similar tool to dig a hole beside the tree. Dig as deep as the lowest root. Carefully scrape away the dirt, exposing the tree's roots and the planting hole. Inspect for the following:

• Root configuration—Root systems must not be twisted, jammed in one place (slit planted), or curved in the shape of the letters U, J, or L. Individual lateral roots may be slightly curved, but the primary vertical root cannot be distorted. Container plugs must not be jammed into the planting hole from the top (accordion effect) or have their sides flattened.

• Foreign material in hole—Material such as bark, snow, large rocks, dry soil, or other foreign matter should not be in the hole, unless its presence is unavoidable. Poor clearing of the planting holes, especially holes drilled with an auger can leave debris in the planting hole. When holes are being drilled with augers, check for dry soil in the planting hole. Soil in the auger holes will dry out if the crew drilling the holes gets too far ahead of the crew planting trees.
  
  
• Firmness—Throughout the root zone, the soil in the planting hole should be about as firm as the undisturbed surrounding soil. Soil that is hardpacked can damage root systems. Do not allow any air pockets in the soil around the seedling's roots. Air pockets can damage the seedlings.

• Orientation—Major roots should be oriented between vertical and perpendicular to the slope. Generally, roots that are not oriented properly will be identified during the aboveground inspection. Occasionally, the roots may not appear to be distorted when viewed from the ground level, but during the belowground inspection, the inspector will see that the hole was opened improperly and the tree was planted improperly.