Unplantable Spots

The inspection procedure generally requires the inspector to check for unplantable spots on the plot. These spots reduce the number of trees that can be planted on a plot. Even if the plot has the desired number of trees, check to see whether areas without trees were unplantable. Try to sink a shovel or hoe in the unplanted spots that are most likely to be plantable (within the plot's spacing limits). If you can create a suitable planting hole with the same amount of effort you expect from the planters, those areas are considered plantable. If surface rocks or other materials prevent you from opening a planting hole, the spot is considered unplantable. Areas of brush and areas with acceptable natural trees also may be specified as unplantable in the contract (or prescription). One unplantable spot is allowed for each single unplantable area equal to the average size of specified spacing. For example, if the spacing is 9 feet by 9 feet, one unplantable spot is credited for each 81-square-foot area on the plot that is found to be unplantable. If half of a 1/50th-acre plot is unplantable, then about 436 square feet (half of 871 square feet) is unplantable. In a 9- by 9-foot spacing, this equates to about six unplantable spots (436 / 81 = 5.4, which rounds to 6).