Some Influencing Factors

Hand Out

Exposure of Scotch Pine.

Weather

Ideal day for tree planting is cold, wet, and miserable for the planting crew. The worst situation is hot, sunny, and windy. In fact, if you are working with conifers, planting should be stopped when temperature gets up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind is over 20 miles per hour. Plant the most sensitive species in the morning if you can.

Root Regeneration

The sooner a seedling's root system establishes contact with soil moisture and nutrients, the greater the probability of survival and growth.

Photosynthesis

If a seedling is going to become established, it must manufacture food to expand its root system. A seedling poorly planted or otherwise in shock has its moisture transpiration system shut down. When the stomata are closed, diffusion of carbon dioxide slows, photosynthesis is halted, and root growth is interfered with.

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Last Modified: 07/05/2007