Foresters lend tips on planting and caring for seedlings
Tree planting 101
By Anneleen Naudts

Spring is in the air, and the season's early, chillier days are ideal for planting trees.

To help people ensure tree seedlings' successful growth, the ---Halton-Peel Woodland and Wildlife Stewardship, Town of Caledon and Western Headwaters partners organized a tree seedling and planting workshop.

The workshop, held last Saturday morning at the Caledon Community Complex, provided a comprehensive overview on how to handle seedlings and to make sure the newly planted seedlings have the best chances of survival.

Forester Tom Hildebrand, of the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), presented the Ten Commandments for tree seedling planting.

Care should be taken when transporting the seedlings, Hildebrand cautioned. Seedlings should not be allowed to dry out during transportation. "If they dry, they die," he warned.

Fluctuations in temperatures, especially excessive heat, should be also avoided. If seedlings have to be temporarily stored, it should be in a cool and dark place, Hildebrand explained.

Ideally, seedlings should be planted promptly. It is also best to plant them as early in the season as possible, since cooler temperatures are more conducive to seedling survival, advised Hildebrand.

It is also important to not trim or prune roots, he said. If gel was applied to the roots at the nursery, people should not wash it off since it prevents the roots from drying out, and it decreases )planting shock and improves acclimation to the planting site.

When planting the trees, adding extra depth to increase exposure to the soil and its water content, even one half inch, will significantly improve survival rates, remarked Hildebrand.

Mechanical planting, while it may be more expensive, is a good option because it tends to yield better results. "It is an investment that will pay off," said Hildebrand.

People should also avoid planting unhealthy - old, yellowing, dry or flushing - seedlings, since they already are extremely stressed and chances of survival are diminished.

The Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) discussed ways to care for the newly planted seedlings.

The newly planted trees should have plenty of access to water, nutrients and sunlight, remarked Roy Mosher, a forestry foreman.

To achieve a "free to grow state" the site should be cleared of weeds and grasses that can hold back tree growth, advised Mosher.

Applying mulches can reduce competition from other vegetation, while also moderating soil temperatures and improving soil moisture retention, added Mosher.

There are two types of mulches; unconsolidated, including wood chips, straw, composted stable waste and newspapers, and consolidated mulch, which can include mulch mats, brush blankets and tassu fiber mats. These are available at home and garden centers, and mulch mats can also be obtained from CVC.

Pest control is another cornerstone in caring for newly planted trees. Certain insects can damage, or even kill, newly planted trees.

Plants should be monitored for harmful insects, Mosher explained. He advised harmful insects, such as tent caterpillars, can be removed manually or by spraying them with a biodegradable insecticide.

Deer and rodents can also cause considerable damage to newly planted trees. Putting up physical barriers as well as spraying liquid fences can be used to deter them from feeding on plants, Mosher remarked.

Foresters agreed it is a good idea to monitor the trees, and to keep an eye on any invasive species within the area.

To promote private land reforestation and stewardship, CVC operates a tree planting service. It offers a variety of inexpensive tree planting services and materials to eligible landowners within the boundaries of the Credit River watershed.

CVC is still accepting applications for its naturalization program. In this program, CVC supplies native trees and shrubs at a subsidized cost, and staff plants the stock after a free property visit.

For more information, call CVC at (905) 702 8041,orvisit www.creditvalleycons.com.