Preparation of Planting Sites

Planting sites shall be properly prepared based on the conditions listed below. For sites to be tilled, leave a minimum 3-foot untreated strip at the edge of the bank or shoreline.

The following will qualify for proper site preparation:

Tillable Sites

1. Destroy competing vegetation through cultivation and/or chemical vegetative control. Sod and alfalfa should be tilled and not just chemically sprayed.
2. Summer fallow area. One year if possible for optimum results. Chemically or mechanically control competing vegetation through this fallow time period.

Non-tillable Sites

1. Destroy competing vegetation through chemical vegetative control and/or manually removing vegetation. When manually removing vegetation through scalping it is important in sod to get below the root mat and expose the mineral soil. Kill a vegetative area at least three feet in diameter and plant in the center.

Competing vegetation will need to be controlled for the first five years. The use of fabric squares, chemical or mechanical control are tools used to control the competing vegetation.

Sites with undesirable noxious weeds (salt cedar) or shrubs (Russian olive) will need to be controlled to facilitate planting of desired stock and prevent re-encroachment of the plant. Suitable methods include hand-cutting and removal, brush hogging, brush-blading, or other equivalent procedure with repeated treatment or use of herbicides to control re-sprouting.

Photo: Site preparation (scalping) for planting
along the Yellowstone River near Big
Timber, May 2002.

Planting Time

• Spring: prior to full extension of new leaves. Typically April 1 to June 1.
• Fall: after dormancy sets in (leaf drop). Typically October 15 to November 30.

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Last Modified: 08/08/2007