Prescriptions

Under the direction of silviculturists, the reforestation prescription provides the objectives and implementation requirements for planting, which are the basis for contract specifications. The requirements should be checked and refined during a preplanting survey when preparing the contract or the directions for force account crews. During inspections, these specifications will determine whether a tree was planted properly in compliance with the contract.

The preplanting survey should address:

• Actual acres to be planted (the acreage should be within 5 percent tolerance when planting is paid by the acre). Do not include areas in the unit that are unplantable (or that will not be planted based on the contract requirements) if they can reasonably be excluded, especially if the contractor is being paid by the acre.
  
  
• The species to be planted and the distribution of species if more than one species is being planted (species could be distributed evenly or certain species could be planted in specific locations—for example, the contractor could be instructed to plant cedar only in draws).
  
  
• The stock type and size of seedlings (assure that the stock type available is suitable for the site, based on soil depth, the potential for competing vegetation, presence of animals, and so forth).
  
  
• The planting period. The period should reflect the projected weather and soil conditions at the time of planting and for several weeks afterward.
  
  
• The need for shade and the availability of shade. Determine whether shade is needed, and if so, whether transportable shade is suitable or whether stationary shade is needed. The actual requirement could cover several possibilities. For example: plant in stationary shade if it is available; if not, use transportable shade (dead branches). If transportable shade is not available, plant in the open. The availability of the shade that is required will affect the number of plantable spots and the unit cost. If shade is needed and is not available, plan to provide artificial shade, such as shade cards or tubes.
  
  
• Identify the need for protection from animals. Protection could include planting seedlings on any side of a stump or log that can act as a barrier to animals (assuming shade is not required), or installing netting or tubing to protect the seedlings from big game.
  
  
• The width and depth of scalps and natural clearings, and the difficulty of scalping.
  
  
• Planting spot selection criteria specific to each unit, such as: plant outside the drip line of a shelterwood tree; don’t plant in game trails; and so forth.
  
  
• The size and species of acceptable natural trees.
  
  
• The minimum distance a tree can be planted from another planted or acceptable natural tree.
  
  
• The average spacing based on desired density.
  
  
• The number of plantable spots and the percent of plantable ground based on the site conditions and the desired density of trees. The number of plantable spots may be considerably less than the prescribed planting density because of rock, existing trees, and other conditions that limit where trees can be planted. Depending on the number of unplantable spots, it may be necessary to adjust the spacing to achieve the desired number of trees per acre or to plant fewer trees at the original spacing. This information is also important when determining the number of trees needed for all units. Be accurate when estimating the number of trees if the contractor is to be paid based on the quantity of trees planted.
  
  
• The tree preparation that will be necessary such as water dip, or slurry dip and wrap.
  
  
• Other specific requirements that must be met for the trees to survive and grow.

These determinations are the basis for the contract specifications or planting directions given to force account crews. Only include measures that are necessary for the trees to survive and grow because each requirement could increase the cost of planting and make planting take longer.