[From “Extension Notes: Careful handing and Planting of Nursery Stock” issued by the Government of Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources]
The future of the forest is in your hands.
- Choose the best site, do not plant seedlings where there are water-holes, stumps or rocks and do not plant more than one tree per hole
- Make sure the hole is deep enough for the root system
- Carefully remove only one tree at a time (separate roots by shaking loose in the bag) and plant immediately
- Lay the roots straight down in the hole in a natural arrangement — do not bunch, twist, double-over, or bend them
- Keep organic matter, stones, and twigs out of the hole (unless the soil itself is organic). They create air pockets that dry out roots
- Plant seedlings slightly above the root collar swelling.
- Tamp soil with the toe (not the heel) to remove air pockets
- For container stock, handle seedlings by the plug (not the stem)
- Plant upright and cover the plug with soil. Do not bury live branches or foliage, or leave any roots exposed to the air
- Take pride in a job well done
This is the Part 2 in our Caring for your Maple Series:
< Part 1: Transportation, storage and handling of your seedlings