NRCS_KY_FOTG_Tree_and_Shrub_Establishment_Conservation_Practice_Standard.pdf

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NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

CONSERVATION PRACTICE STANDARD

TREE/SHRUB ESTABLISHMENT

(Ac.)

CODE 612

DEFINITION

Establishing woody plants by planting seedlings or cuttings, direct seeding, or natural regeneration.

PURPOSE

Establish woody plants for:

• forest products such as timber, pulpwood, and energy biomass

• wildlife habitat

• long-term erosion control and improvement of water quality

• treating waste

• storing carbon in biomass

• energy conservation

• improving or restoring natural diversity

• enhancing aesthetics.

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

Tree/shrub establishment can be applied on any appropriately prepared site where woody plants can be grown.

Utilize other practice standards for specialized tree/shrub establishment situations, e.g., Riparian Forest Buffer, 391; Alley Cropping, 311; Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment, 380; Hedgerow Planting, 422; Silvopasture Establishment, 381..

CRITERIA

General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes Adapt to site conditions and soil types so that composition of species will be suitable for the planned purpose(s).

Ensure that any species considered locally invasive or noxious will not be used.

Ensure that planting or seeding rates will be adequate to accomplish the planned purpose for the site.

Direct the care in handling and planting of the seed, cuttings, or seedlings, so that planted materials have an acceptable rate of survival.

Plant or seed within acceptable dates to provide optimal seedling survival. Use only viable, high-quality and adapted planting stock or seed.

A precondition for tree/shrub establishment is a properly prepared site. Refer to practice standard “Tree/Shrub Site Preparation”, (490) for details.

Ensure that adequate seed sources or advanced reproduction is present or provided for when using natural regeneration as the preferred method of establishment.

Select a time and planting method that is appropriate for the site and soil conditions of the establishment area.

Consider species, age, and diameter to determine the acceptability and timing of coppice regeneration.

Protect seedlings from plant and animal pests and fire. Refer to standard Integrated Pest Management, 595, to assist with site-specific strategies for pest prevention, pest avoidance, pest monitoring, and pest suppression.

NRCS, KY

November 2013

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State Office or visit the electronic Field Office Technical Guide.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/organization/regions.html http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg

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Evaluate the site to determine if mulching, supplemental water or other cultural treatments (e.g., tree protection devices, shade cards, brush mats) will be needed to ensure adequate survival and growth of the seedlings.

Refer to the KY Invasive Species Advisory list for those species that will not be included in planting mixtures. The list can be found under Section II/NEPA Forms and Guidance/Special Environmental Concerns/Invasive Species Resources.

Follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations during the installation, operation and maintenance of this practice.

Additional Criteria for Treating Waste Select species that have fast growth characteristics, extensive root systems, high nutrient uptake capacity and tolerance of the planned effluent. Refer to guidance provided by the National Agroforestry Center for additional information.

Additional Criteria for Improving or Restoring Natural Diversity Select native species or favor those best suited for natural regeneration to create a successional stage or state that can progress to the desired natural plant community. A minimum planting density of 300 trees per acre is required. Refer to Section IV/Tools/Tree and Shrub Establishment Tools/KY Tree and Shrub Establishment Guide, for selection of species that are considered native.

Additional Criteria for Storing Carbon for Energy and Biomass

The species and plant communities that attain biomass more quickly will sequester carbon faster. The rate of carbon sequestration is enhanced as trees and/or shrubs mature and soil organic matter increases. Select plants that have higher rates of growth and potential for carbon sequestration in biomass and are adapted to the site. Plant species at a high density rate of at least 1210 trees per acre (6’ x 6’). Refer to Section IV/Tools/Tree and Shrub Establishment Tools/KY Tree and Shrub Establishment Guide for selection of species that exhibit fast growth capabilities.

Additional Criteria to Protect Critically Eroding Sites On bare or critically eroding areas, trees alone will not effectively control erosion for a period of 5 to 10 years. Follow guidance provided in the Critical Area Planting (342) to establish herbaceous vegetation for immediate ground cover. Trees need time to attain adequate size to produce sufficient ground litter and root systems to hold the soil in place and provide long term erosion control protection.

Planting rates for tree seedlings should be between 605 seedlings per acre (approximately 6’ x 12’ spacing) and 681 seedlings per acre (approximately 8’ x 8’ spacing) to provide sufficient canopy closure.

Consider using the 12’ row widths to accomodate equipment access during post planting management activities. Use the 8’ x 8’ spacings when it is anticipated that the planting will not receive mechanized post planting treatments.

Refer to Section IV/Tools/Tree and Shrub Establishment Tools/KY Tree and Shrub Establishment Guide for selection of species that have greatest growth at 20 years.

Additional Criteria for Wildlife Plantings:

The objectives for wildlife plantings are to produce food (nuts, berries, or other fruits) and to provide cover for birds and animals.

Consider the target wildlife species and landowner objectives in selecting tree/shrub species. Refer to Section IV/Tools/Tree and Shrub Establishment Tools/KY Tree and Shrub Establishment Guide, for selection of species that are best suited to wildlife plantings.

Types of Establishment:

Bare-root: Seedlings should exhibit a large number of first order lateral roots (FOLR) balanced to top growth. Root collar diameters should exceed 3/8 inches. Discard any diseased or damaged seedlings, and those not exhibiting the above qualities.

Cuttings: Use cuttings prepared during the dormant season from wood of the previous season’s growth. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, moderately vigorous stock plants growing in full sunlight. At least two nodes should be included in the cutting. Cuttings should be at least ¼ inch and preferably 3/8 to 3/4 inches in diameter. They should be at least 12 inches long and 15 to 20 inches where

612-3 practical. The top should be horizontal and the bottom should be beveled at a 45 degree angle.

Balled and burlap: Shrub planting stock should be 18 inches or more in height. Tree stock should be 48 inches or more in height. Do not use plants with cracked or broken rootballs.

Avoid “pot- bound” plants indicated by root systems that are visible on the rootball surface and that circle the trunk.

Container grown: Containerized stock shall be 3 gallon size (air pruned root stock), with 2 – 6 foot tree height and 3/8 – 5/8” caliper (diameter at ground level at root collar).

Direct Seeding: Use only viable, mature seed.

Locally collected seed or that purchased from commercial sources may be seeded by hand or mechanical methods. Successful stands can be established by seeding oaks, yellow poplar, pine, and walnut. Consider some type of site preparation to prepare a bare soil seedbed to achieve success. Direct seeding should not be considered where the risk of seed predation by birds, rodents, or other mammals is likely.

1. Broadcast: On a well prepared seedbed, broadcast the seed evenly over the planting area and cover seeds with mineral soil (1/2 to 1 inch).

2. Spot: Plant 1 seed per spot, 2 to 3 inches deep. The spots should be 3 to 4 feet in the row to compensate for low germination rates.

Cover with mineral soil.

3. Machine: Plant seeds 2 to 3 inches deep every 3 to 4 feet in the row to compensate for low germination rates. Cover with mineral soil.

Natural Regeneration: Sufficient seed trees should be nearby to furnish large amounts of viable seed. Light-seeded species such as ash, cottonwood, maple, pine, and yellow poplar are the best choices for this establishment method.

1. Areas that experience flooding that make plantings unlikely to succeed.

2. Depression areas too wet to machine or hand plant.

3. Sites likely to be invaded by soft-mast species that would likely out-compete planted hard mast species.

4. Sites that are within 200 feet of existing mature woodlands and adjacent to desirable seed sources on two sides.

Spacing:

Proper tree and shrub spacing is determined by such factors as the objectives of the planting, species, growth rate, expected thinnings, mortality rates, natural pruning, maintenance of initial site preparation, and planting costs. Therefore, the planner has the option to determine the correct spacing to use with reference to the following guidelines:

• Direct seeding – A minimum rate of 700 seeds per acre is required. A rate up to 1500 seeds per acre is recommended to compensate for predation and seedling mortality.

• Containers – Large container stock is capable of rapid height growth, allowing it to keep up with fast growing, light seeded native tree species that will soon invade abandoned sites.

If natural regeneration is expected to fill in between container trees plant at 28 trees per acre minimum (approximately 40’ x 40’).

Mixtures:

Pure plantings are easier and more economical to establish, manage, and maintain. Pure stands are also easier to harvest and often result in higher stumpage values. Mixed plantings can produce higher yields and are preferred for wildlife plantings where species diversity is a goal. Hardwoods are more suitable for mixed plantings than pines.

Mixtures of hardwoods and pines is not recommended. Use caution in planning mixed hardwood plantings, particularly where timber production is the goal. Following are species mixtures for consideration.

1. Northern red oak and yellow poplar

2. Northern red oak and sweetgum with black walnut

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3. Black walnut and yellow poplar in row-group or block mixing.

CONSIDERATIONS

Priority should be given to plant materials that have been selected and tested in tree/shrub improvement programs. All plant materials should comply with minimum standards such as those as established by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, US Forest Service, or state-approved nursery.

Plans for landscape and beautification plantings should consider foliage color, season and color of flowering, and mature plant height.

Consider using diverse species combinations which best meet locally native wildlife and pollinator needs.

Tree/shrub arrangement and spacing should allow for and anticipate the need for future access lanes for purposes of stand management.

Residual chemical carryover should be evaluated prior to planting; alter species selection and/or timing of planting/seeding based on findings.

When adding trees to an existing stand, such as an enrichment planting, trees should be planted sufficiently in advance of overstory removal to ensure full or advanced establishment.

Planting stock will be of a hardiness zone adaptable in Kentucky counties. Consider acquiring planting stock from suppliers located in or adjacent to the state of Kentucky.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications for applying this practice shall be prepared for each site and recorded using approved specification sheets, job sheets, technical notes, and narrative statements in the conservation plan, or other acceptable documentation.

Plans and specifications will include the following: adapted tree species for the purposes outlined, spacing, planting methods, cultural practices, maintenance requirements, and variations in methods and species between interplanting, underplanting, and planting in open areas. Separate specifications can be prepared for each of these planting methods.

Reference may be made to planting specifications prepared by the Kentucky Division of Forestry for each of the above components.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Access by vehicles or equipment during or after tree/shrub establishment shall be controlled to protect new plants and minimize erosion, compaction and other site impacts.

Refer to the standard Access Control, 472.

The trees and shrubs will be inspected periodically and protected from adverse impacts including insects, diseases or competing vegetation, fire, and damage from livestock or wildlife.

If needed, competing vegetation will be controlled until the woody plants are established. Noxious weeds will be controlled.

Refer to standard Integrated Pest Management, 595, Brush Management, 314, or Herbaceous Weed Control, 315.

Replanting will be required when survival is inadequate to fulfill the intended purpose of the practice.

Provide supplemental water as needed in times of drought to ensure survival of seedlings.

Periodic applications of nutrients may be needed to maintain plant vigor. If nutrients are applied, refer to Nutrient Management , 590.

After trees and/or shrubs are established, refer to the standards Forest Stand Improvement, 666, and Tree/Shrub Pruning, 660, for subsequent management.

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REFERENCES

Professional Hardwood Notes: Site Preparation and Competition Control Guidelines for Hardwood Tree Plantings;

University of Kentucky Forestry Extension, FOR-107, 2009; Stringer, Clatterbbuck, Seifert.

http://www2.ca.uky.edu/forestryextension/Publi cations/FOR_FORFS/for107.pdf

Wastewater Management Using Hybrid Poplar;

AF Note-17, Agroforestry Notes, April 2000;

http://nac.unl.edu/documents/agroforestrynote s/an17sa03.pdf

Kentucky Division of Forestry; Tree Seedling Planting Instructions:

http://forestry.ky.gov/statenurseriesandtreesee dlings/Documents/seedlingplantinginstructions.

pdf

Conservation practice standards are reviewed periodically and updated if needed. To obtain the current version of this standard, contact your Natural Resources Conservation Service State Office or visit the electronic Field Office Technical Guide.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/organization/regions.html http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg http://www2.ca.uky.edu/forestryextension/Publications/FOR_FORFS/for107.pdf http://www2.ca.uky.edu/forestryextension/Publications/FOR_FORFS/for107.pdf http://nac.unl.edu/documents/agroforestrynotes/an17sa03.pdf http://nac.unl.edu/documents/agroforestrynotes/an17sa03.pdf http://forestry.ky.gov/statenurseriesandtreeseedlings/Documents/seedlingplantinginstructions.pdf http://forestry.ky.gov/statenurseriesandtreeseedlings/Documents/seedlingplantinginstructions.pdf http://forestry.ky.gov/statenurseriesandtreeseedlings/Documents/seedlingplantinginstructions.pdf