Container Stock (continued)

• Stem Orientation
• Planting Depth
• Root Arrangement
• Firmness of Soil Used for Backfill

Root Arrangement

While container seedlings are somewhat easier to plant than bareroot seedlings, the same care should be taken to ensure that containers are properly planted. To avoid damaging the root system, do not break, bend, flatten, or distort the plug in any manner. After the planting hole has been properly opened, plant the container seedling as described for bareroot seedlings in the previous section.

Firmness of Soil Used for Backfill

Firmly tamp the soil around the planted tree roots, filling and firming the hole progressively from the bottom toward the top. Do not tamp with sticks or by heeling in the soil alongside the seedlings after planting. Do not leave any air pockets or debris in the hole. Roots that are not in close contact with mineral soil will dry, killing the seedling.