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Sunriver has been honored as a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1980.
In honor of this tradition, and as part of its annual Arbor Day celebration, the SROA Environmental Department gives away ponderosa pine seedlings in April.
Unfortunately, in the past, many of these free seedlings have died within a short time of being planted. Why? What can you do to increase the seedling survival rate?
There are three main things to consider carefully that will get your seedlings off to a "well grounded" start: planting location, planting method, and follow-up care.
Think of those seedlings as a newborn babes, needing protection and care. Keep the roots moist until ready to plant and then carefully consider the environment into which you thrust the young trees. Try to find a site somewhat protected from direct sunlight and drying winds, though not completely shaded. Sometimes planting the seedling near brush gives it the protection it needs, but allows it to take in more sunlight once it grows larger. It is no coincidence that so many seedlings get their start right in the middle of a bitterbrush plant. Also consider the soil. If it is rocky or shallow, the seedling may struggle. Look for deeper soils with at least some organic matter. You may even want to amend your soil by incorporating mature compost (but not manure, which may burn feeder roots).
Perhaps most important of all, make sure you plunk your little pines in the ground correctly. One of the main reasons seedlings die is that they are planted in such a way that their roots make a "j" shape in the soil, rather that straight up and down. Planting too deep or too shallow can also stress the plant to death.
Finally, if possible, a year's worth of follow up care can give your seedlings an edge. Whenever you plant or transfer, it is a good idea to provide your plant with extra water for about a year. This helps establish a root system extensive enough to seek out the water the plant needs. A deep watering at least once a week, and perhaps more in hot weather should do the trick for ponderosa seedlings. Be sure, however, that you don't over-water. Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings.
Cared for properly, your seedlings could become the forests of the future. |
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