Packing for Storage

A widely used treatment in packing seedlings is in completely sealed bags or cartons. Sealed containers are most effective in reducing water loss. Polyethylene film or coatings are used as sealants because they are impermeable to water, but permeable to carbon dioxide. The use of moss or other moisture- retaining packing material is helpful for long-term storage but not considered necessary for routine storage in sealed containers.

The State Nursery previously used a 2-ply coated paper sack for most conifer production. We are now using a cardboard box with a plastic liner as they are more durable.

The enclosed sacks or boxes work very well for the reforestation projects in Western Montana where a minimum of handling, refrigeration, and quick transportation to the planting site are the rule.

You will see large orders of bareroot conifers delivered in plastic-lined boxes. Be especially careful not to let these get heated up. You will see all of our containerized conifers shipped in the same boxes but without the plastic liner. There will be some air circulation through the hand holes, so heating up may not be the worst problem here, rather you should be concerned about the containers drying out.

The bulk of trees delivered to counties in the state are still being wrapped in open-end bales with poly-lined burlap or plastic wrap. Although this system is subject to drying out faster than a closed sack, it is more durable, provides better air circulation, and is less subject to overheating when not in cold storage. If storage is necessary and drying becomes a problem, the open-end bales can be tipped on end and water added with a hose.

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Last Modified: 07/05/2007