Addressing Moisture Problems (Microsites)

On drier sites, the best moisture-holding areas are well protected by existing vegetation and large debris. Plant on the north and east sides of the vegetation or debris.

Shade generally is not needed on north slopes. If shade is used on east slopes, place it on the downhill side to protect seedlings from morning sun. Do not place material for shade on the uphill side of the seedling, because the material may roll onto the seedling.

As a general rule, it is critical to provide shade in these conditions:

• Planting sites on drier habitat types, including most habitat types throughout Regions 2, 3, and 4 (the Rocky Mountain, Southwestern, and Intermountain Regions).
  
  
• Planting sites on south- and west-facing slopes.
  
  
• Planting sites on steep slopes, generally those steeper than 30 percent, especially on south- and west-facing slopes.
  
  
• Spruce sites higher than 9,500 feet in the Central and Southern Rocky Mountains.
  
  
• Areas where site factors such as soil moisture-holding capacity, plant competition, and elevation compound problems that can be caused by too much direct sunlight.

Shade alone will not be sufficient to assure survival. Proper site preparation is required to reduce competing vegetation.