EXAMPLE-NRCS Practice 612-TreeShrub Establishment.pdf

612a OR-Specification January 2019 Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oregon

TREE/SHRUB ESTABLISHMENT SPECIFICATION SHEET

Client: Janice Schultz

Photo courtesy of NRCS

Tree/Shrub Establishment Establishing woody plants by planting seedlings or cuttings, direct seeding, or natural regeneration.

Purposes

• Establish Woody Plants for Forest Products

• Wildlife Habitat

• Long Term Erosion Control and Improvement of

Water Quality

• Treat Waste

• Improve or Restore Natural Diversity

• Store Carbon in Biomass

• Energy Conservation

• Enhance Aesthetics

Where Used

• On any area where woody plants can be grown.

General Requirements

On forestland, Oregon’s Forest Practices Act, requires the landowner to obtain a permit for planting and associated activities. The landowner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to commencing practice installation.

Planting dates, and care in handling and planting of the seed, cuttings or seedlings will ensure that planted material have an acceptable rate of survival. Plant trees and/or shrubs, when dormant, and the soil is not frozen (see Table 1). Plant high elevation areas shortly after snow melt. Plant on cloudy, high humidity, calm days.

Only viable, high quality and adapted planting stock or seed will be used. Rooted seedling stock shall be a "Plug" (one season in a container) or a 2+0 bareroot seedling. The first number indicates number of seasons in a nursery bed, and the second number indicates seasons in a transplant (outside) bed.

Cuttings and whips shall be a minimum of 12 inches long, have a minimum small end diameter of ¼ inches for shrubs and 3/8 inches for trees, and contain at least 3 lateral buds. Buds shall be firm and show no evidence of new growth.

Where frost heaving occurs, plant bareroot stock only.

Where moisture is limiting, summer heat is intense, or plant competition is severe, plant seedlings with well-developed root systems, such as Plug +1 or 2+1. A 1:1 shoot to root ratio is desirable.

Where moisture is not limiting, but plant competition and/or browsing problems are significant, plant tall, well developed seedlings, such as 1+1 or 2+1.

Shrub plantings shall be either containerized or bare root stock. Container plantings shall not be larger than 2 gallons. Bareroot stock shall not be larger than 24 inches in height, unless extenuating environmental circumstances call for taller plants. Shoot to root ratio shall not exceed 1.5:1.

Where disease is a concern, limit planting stock to species that are resistant or immune to disease. For, sites infected with Laminated root rot (Phellinus weirii), which is very common in western Oregon, plant species listed below:

Resistant Species

• Incense cedar, Ponderosa pine, Western red cedar

Immune Species

• Bigleaf maple, Red alder,

• Pacific madrone, Tanoak,

• Oregon ash, Poplar, Cottonwood

Site preparation shall be sufficient for the site. See practice 490 Tree/Shrub Site Preparation for specifications.

Timing and use of planting equipment will be appropriate for the site and soil conditions. A tree planting machine is efficient on flatter slopes. Use on slopes less than 10 percent. Hand plant any site.

Planting Dates for All Plantings Table 1. General planting dates by MLRA and

MLRA 6, 8, 9, 10,

21, 23, 24, 25, 43 SITE CLASS

elevation. SPECIES I, II III IV, V Douglas fir 302 258 222

Elev. Start End Ponderosa pine 258 194 150 MLRA Range Date Date Lodgepole pine 436 302 222 A1 0- 3700 12/1 4/1 Western Larch 302 258 222 A2 0- 499 12/1 3/1 White/Grand fir 302 258 222 A2 500- 1700 12/15 3/15 W. white pine 302 258 222 A3 650- 1999 12/15 3/15

A3 2000- 2999 3/15 5/31 Trees per Acre Spacing (ft) A3 3000- 3999 4/1 6/1 436 10 x 10 A3 5000- 6000 4/15 6/15 360 10 x 12 A4 0- 2999 12/1 4/15 302 12 x 12 A5 2000- 2999 11/15 4/15 258 12 x 14 or 13 x 13 A5 3000- 3999 3/15 5/15 222 14 x 14 A5 4000- 5000 4/1 6/15 194 15 x 15 B6 950- 1999 3/15 5/15 150 17 x 17 B6 2000- 2999 3/15 6/1

B6 3000- 3999 4/1 6/15 Species will be adapted to site conditions and suitable B6 4000- 4999 4/15 6/15 for the planned purpose.

B6 5000- 7000 5/1 6/15

B7 800- 1600 3/15 5/1 For Christmas tree production, plant no closer than 4x4 B8 800- 3400 3/15 5/15 or farther than 8x8. Exact spacing should be based on B9 1600- 2999 4/1 6/15 cultivation or spraying equipment.

B9 3000- 5000 4/15 6/15

B10 2200- 3999 4/1 5/15 Seedling Protection for All Plantings B10 4000- 6000 4/15 6/1 Seedlings shall be protected from any agent that will B11 2100- 3000 3/15 5/1 inhibit growth or cause mortality. These are competing D21 4000- 6000 4/1 6/1 vegetation, browsing animals, excess heat and D23 4400- 5999 4/1 5/1 drought.

D23 6000- 8000 4/15 5/15

D24 3900- 5999 4/1 5/1 Competing Vegetation D25 4500- 5999 4/15 5/15 Competing vegetation will be kept away from planted E43 1300- 2999 3/15 5/15 seedling. See Forest Stand Improvement (666) E43 3000- 4999 3/15 6/1 specification for detailed information.

E43 5000- 6999 4/1 6/1

E43 7000- 9600 4/15 6/15 Mulch may be used to control some types of vegetation. Paper, geo-textile, plastic, rock, etc. may Planting for Forest Products be used. See Mulching (484) specification for

Planting or seeding rates will be adequate to accomplish the planned purpose. Below are recommended planting rates, trees per acre (for timber production), based on site productivity.

MLRA 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 SITE CLASS

SPECIES I, II III IV, V

additional detail.

Browsing Animals Protection of seedlings from browsing animals can be accomplished by one of the following:

• Fencing (see Fencing (382) specification)

• Whole tree nets of 6-15 mil photodegradable

Douglas Fir 436 360 302 polypropylene mesh.

Grand/Noble Fir 436 360 302 • Whole tree protectors of 50 mil photodegradable Western Hemlock 436 360 302 polypropylene mesh tubes, photodegradable Sitka Spruce 436 360 302 polypropylene solid tree tubes, or of spun polyester Ponderosa/Sugar Pine 302 258 194 (Reemay) sleeves, 2-5 inches in diameter, and 2-3 Western Red Cedar 436 360 302 feet in length.

• Budcaps shall be of spun polyester (Reemay) sheets or weatherproof paper cut into 4 by 5-inch rectangular pieces.

• Terminal bud protectors of 50 mil photodegradable polypropylene mesh tubes, or of spun polyester (Reemay) sleeves, 1-3 inches in diameter, cut to length of enclose the leader and leave 4-8 inches above the end of the leader to allow for growth.

Protective devices shall be secured:

• Fold budcaps lengthwise and staple around the terminal leader and bud, forming a protective cylinder.

• Staple leader tubes to small branchlets along the leader to prevent coming off during high winds.

• Secure net tubes with pins of 9-gauge wire, >12 inches long, hooked through the mesh andpressed into the ground.

• Support sleeves and tubes with a 3-4-foot stake, wood or bamboo, driven into the soil next to the seedling and secured to the stake byties.

Maintenance of Protective Devices:

• Inspect and replace, repair, remove, or adjust devices.

• Budcaps and sleeves may need adjustment (upward) to protect trees until beyond grazing or browsing.

• Nets and tubes may require physical removal

(generally on north slopes) to prevent girdling.

Chemical repellants may be used. See Forestry Tech Note 23. Repellants must be applied correctly or damage to seedlings may occur. Most will need reapplication; inspect for reapplication needs.

Physical removal of animal pests by trapping and/or hunting is feasible. Follow State and local hunting and trapping regulations.

Protection from Excessive Heat Where excessive heat causes mortality (generally south facing slopes), apply shade cards or collars to newly planted seedlings. Shade cards may be made of heavy weatherproof cardboard, wood, styrofoam, etc.

Cards shall be 8" x 12", collars shall be 3 inches in diameter and 4 inches high. Attach cards to wire or wood stake to hold in place. Place 3 inches from seedling. Place on the south side of the seedling with an east-west orientation. Place shade card as close to the ground as possible. Inspect at least annually until successful seedling establishment.

Protection from Drought If soil moisture is very limited and irrigation water is available apply water at a rate of 1 gallon per tree soon after planting. Recommended rates are 1 gallon per week the first growing season, two gallons per week the second growing season and 3 gallons per week the third growing season. See Irrigation system and irrigation water management.

Discontinue watering in the late summer to allow trees and shrubs to harden off. In late fall, if soil moisture is depleted, a deep watering is recommended to prevent winter desiccation damage.

Planting for Wildlife Habitat Establish multiple plant species for wildlife habitat species diversity. Plant species desirable to targeted wildlife. The area shall be comprised of trees and shrubs. If trees are present plant adapted shrubs. If shrubs are present plant adapted trees. Establish plants in a non-linear planting regime. Plant native species, when feasible. Nonnative species are acceptable if they do not spread.

Planting for Storing Carbon in Biomass Plant tree species that sequester high quantities of carbon. Plant at rates that fully stock the stand. Base planting rates on the soil site index for the species being planted, or amount of carbon to be sequestered.

Plans and Specifications Specifications shall be prepared for each site and purpose and recorded using approved specification sheets, such as Tree/Shrub Establishment (612) or other acceptable documentation.

Operation and Maintenance The area of treatment will be periodically inspected and protected from adverse impacts from insects, disease, livestock, competing vegetation, wildlife and fire damage.

Trees/shrubs shall be replanted to maintain adequate stocking to accomplish the intended purpose.

Removal, incorporation, bio- or photo-degradation of tree protective devices and associated materials shall be consistent with the intended purpose and site conditions.

Operation of equipment near and on the site shall not compromise the intended purpose of the tree planting.

Properly collect and dispose of artificial materials after intended use.

Competing vegetation will not impede seedling growth.

See Forest Stand Improvement (666) specification for additional details.

Client Janice Schultz Farm/Tract F#3693, T#7356 F#3899, T#7547

Location 12505 N Obenchain Road, Eagle Point, OR 97524

County/SWCD Jackson SWCD

Planner Meghan Montgomery Date 8/16/2026

Project Size 82.25 acres; Unit 2=20, Unit 3=62.25 Topo Map Brownsboro, OR

Planting Stock Type

Plug-Styro 8 Container Predominate Soil Type and Seedling

Mortality Rating

125F, Medco-McMullin Complex=High

114E, McNull Loam=Low

DESIGN APPROVAL:

Practice Code No.

PRACTICE

LEAD

DISCIPLINE

CONTROLLING

FACTOR

UNITS

JOB CLASS

I II III IV V

Tree/Shrub Establishment

ESD-For

Complexity of establishing plant material; site sensitivity

Type of planting stock;

potential seedling mortality rating from Soil Survey.

Container stock; potential seedling mortality low

Bare-root stock or cuttings;

potential seedling mortality moderate

Direct seeding or natural regeneration;

any seedling mortality rating

All

All

This practice is classified as Job Class (check one):

Design Approved By: /s/ Meghan Montgomery Date: 7/23/2026

Job Title: F o r e s t R e s o u r c e C o n s e r v a t i o n i s t , J a c k s o n S W C D

Specification Requirements

Practice Purpose (Check all that apply.)

☐ Forest Products

☒ Wildlife Habitat

☐ Improve Water Quality

☐ Treat Waste

☐ Long Term Erosion Control

☐ Carbon Sequestration

☐ Energy Conservation

☒ Enhance Aesthetics

Tree Species Seed Zone or Elevation* Tree Spacing Number of Seedlings to Order

Ponderosa Pine (PIPO) OR PIPO Zone 14, 2000’- 3000’

20x20 9254

Incense Cedar (CADE) OR Zone 502, 2000’-2500’ 25x25 5552

Sugar Pine (PILA) USFS PILA Breeding Zone 10043, elevation <2500’

30x30 3701

Minimum Seedling Size: 1:1 root:shoot ratio or better Container Size: Container-Styro 8

*Select seedlings from the listed seed zone and elevation or a geographic area of similar climate within an elevation of 500 feet higher or lower and within 100 miles north to 100 miles south of the planting site. Stock for introduced species must be from a proven, adapted source.

Shrub Species Shrub Spacing Number of Seedlings to Order

Minimum Seedling Size: Container Size:

Planting Dates: Seeding Protection Needed

☐ Yes

☐ No

TYPE:

☐ Whole Tree Protectors

☐ Whole Tree Nets

☐ Terminal Bud Protectors

☐ Bud Caps

☐ Fencing

☒ Other (Describe) Shade cards

Moisture Conservation Needed

☒ Yes

No

Competing Vegetation Control

☒ Hand

☐ Mechanical

☒ Chemical*

☐ Mulch

Other (Describe):

See Herbaceous Weed Control for detailed specifications for chemical control of competing vegetation.

Species to Control:

Primarily: Invasive annual grasses— hedgehog dogtail Medusahead wildrye (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) Ventenata (Venenata dubia) Cheatgrass, downy brome (Bromus tectorum) Hairy chess, meadow brome (Bromus commutatus) Wild oats (Avena fatua) Smooth brome (Bromus inermis)

Herbicides evaluated in WIN-PST:

Imazapic Sulfosulfuron Rimsulfuron Indaziflam

*WIN-PST will be used to evaluate potential human and water resource concerns (attach report). A WIN-PST hazard rating of Intermediate or higher requires mitigation. Required mitigation shall consist of:

Additional Information:

Species:

Ponderosa pine, incense cedar, and sugar pine are the most suitable conifer species to the site, taking into consideration current and predicted future challenges to Douglas fir populations that make these sites unsuitable for long-term health and vigor of that species. All seedlings will be plug types, in styro-8 containers, with 1:1 root:shoot ratio or better. Target TPA across all species is ~225, with overall spacing 14’x14’, which factors in high expected mortality in the first year.

TPA and Spacing Per Species:

Species TPA Target Spacing

Ponderosa Pine 113 20x20

Incense Cedar 68 25x25

Sugar Pine 45 30x30

Target Spacing:

Where necessary because of non-plantable spots, or to take advantage of superior microsites, seedlings may be planted closer together or further apart indicated by specified spacing above, but no closer than six (6) feet from another acceptable seedling. There shall be only one seedling per planting hole.

Site Prep-Scalping: All debris, including compacted slash, dug, ashes, rotten wood, snow, and loose rock must be cleared in an area 1’x1’ provided such material is no more than two feet (14 inches) in depth; if deeper than 2 ft (14 inches), the site is non-plantable and a new site should be selected. Such debris and any living vegetation must be removed prior to planting a tree. All herbaceous vegetation must be scalped in a 4’x4’ area around each planting site to minimize competition in the first year from herbaceous vegetation.

Planting Methods Planting shall consist of locating acceptable microsites according to the required spacing intervals and planting seedlings at each of those microsites, AND not planting seedlings in non-plantable spots.

Acceptable microsites are locations that offer the seedling optimum opportunities for temperature, moisture, light, nutrients, and oxygen while minimizing physical constraints.

Microsites are characterized as higher than the immediate surrounding area, often next to existing stumps, decomposing logs, or on natural mounds. Selecting microsites that are adjacent to, and shaded by, large downed logs, stumps, or terrain features is preferable. These sites provide partial protection from sun, wind, animals, and other factors which could inhibit seedling growth and survival.

Non-Plantable Spots are those that are not acceptable microsites. Non-plantable sites include:

-rock outcroppings -cut banks or game trails -within 8 feet of a road’s edge -wet or swampy soil -within the drip line of a mature overstory tree of any species -within 6 feet of an existing established seedling -equipment tracks (the low-lying compacted areas where equipment has driven across a planting area) -slash accumulations over 2 feet (14”) in depth -if the shovel or planting tool cannot be inserted deep enough for proper root/plug placement of seedling -if the hole cannot be opened sufficiently to allow the seedling to be fully inserted into the hole without obstruction

Planting Method: Seedlings will all be plugs, so plantings will be completed using shovels that have an overall blade length of 14. The roots (plug portion) of each plug seedling must be placed in the ground so that the roots assume a near-natural arrangement. Roots must not be twisted, angled, compacted or flattened horizontally or vertically, or with air pockets underneath in the hole. See “Plug Seedling Planting Errors” on following page.

The root collar of each plug seedling must be at the ground line no more than 1 inch (1”) below the ground line; no roots shall be visible above the mineral soil ground line.

Stems: Each planted seedling will stand erect and perpendicular to the horizontal plane, not to the slope of the ground. When planting stock with bent stems, the roots must be planted vertically, disregarding the stem position.

Firmness of Planted Seedling: The planting hole for plugs must be gently closed using the hand or the shovel. Use of the heel or toe of a boot to close the planting hole is not permitted.

The objective is to close the planting hole but to maintain the aeration properties of organic material and soil adjacent to the roots. A firmly planted seedling cannot be removed from the planting hole with a gentle pull.

Planting: avoiding planting errors—insert diagrams here

Field Inspections JSWCD Forest Resource Conservationist or Forest Conservation Technician will conduct daily inspections on planted work. JSWCD staff will install inspection plots to assess whether seedlings have been satisfactorily planted and meet all planting requirements details in this Tree & Shrub Establishment Specification as well as in the Contract with Sustainable Northwest, and according to the species and species requirements in this Specification. Inspection Plots will be one-fiftieth (1/50th, 16.7 ft radius) in size. There will be a minimum sample of five (5) plots, or two

(2) plots for every five (5) acres, whichever is greater. Inspection plots will be well distributed throughout the planting unit. Plots will record the number of planting spots, number of seedlings planted, number of satisfactorily planted seedlings, number of dropped or wasted seedlings, and make written comments for each inspection plot. The inspecting forester may dig up one or more planted seedlings per plot to determine if seedlings are satisfactorily planted.

A. Planting Spots

The number (#) of Planting Spots will be calculated for each Inspection Plot as follows:

# of Planting Spots = # of Expected Planting Spots – # of Unplantable Spots

1. The number of ‘Expected Planting Spots’ is calculated for each Inspection Plot by dividing the Total Seedlings per Acre by the inverse of the plot size being used for compliance (e.g, divide by 50 if using 1/50th acres plots) and rounding to the nearest whole number.

2. The number of Unplantable Spots is calculated for each Inspection Plot by visually estimating the percentage of the area of the Plot that is Unplantable, multiplying it by the number of Expected Planting Spots, and rounding to the nearest whole number.

Example: Total Seedlings per Acre = 500 and 20% of the Inspection Plot is Unplantable.

The number of Expected Planting Spots is 500/50= 10 The number of Unplantable Spots is 20%x10= 2 The number of Planting Spots is 10-2= 8

Additional Information (continued):

C. Seedlings Planted ‘Seedlings Planted’ is the number of Contractor-planted Seedlings within the Inspection Plot, including both Seedlings that are Satisfactorily Planted and those that are not.

Although this number is not used in the Seedling Planting Performance Rating, it may be used by the Compliance Forester to demonstrate examples of Unsatisfactorily Planted Seedlings to the Contractor, when the number of Seedlings Planted is greater than the number of Satisfactorily Planted Seedlings.

D. Satisfactorily Planted Seedlings The number of Satisfactorily Planted Seedlings is the number of Contractor-planted Seedlings within the Inspection Plot that meet all applicable specifications of the Unit Description. This number will be less than or equal to the number of Seedlings Planted because Seedlings that are not Satisfactorily Planted will be deducted. Examples of Seedlings that will not be counted include, but are not limited to, those that have been planted: closer than the Minimum Spacing; without proper Preparation and Clearing of the Planting Spot; or in Unplantable Spots. In addition, planted Seedlings will not be counted if the planting hole has been improperly located or excavated, or if the seedling placement in the hole is inadequate because the roots.

Improperly planted seedlings will not meet contract or project specifications as detailed in this job sheet. Improperly planted seedlings include those that are:

1. Too loose

2. Too shallow

3. Too deep

4. Too close

5. Hole not closed

6. Planter damaged

7. Not in mineral soil

8. Stem not erect

9. Roots J or L rooted, or roots twisted, angled, compacted or flattened

10. Planted in a Non-Plantable Spot, explained on previous page.

PLUG SEEDLING PLANTING ERRORS

Poor Microsite ► Plug planted in a depression ► Plug planted on any microsite not relatively higher than the surrounding area

Seedling Conditions

Seedlings for this project are being sourced and grown out specifically for conditions in the South Obenchain fire footprint—elevation, soil type, precipitation, aspect, and post-fire conditions. Jackson SWCD and Sustainable Northwest will source seedlings with support from American Forest Foundation that meet the criteria outlined here. Our planting contracts will require contractors to follow the requirements in this document for Seedling Inspection, Temporary Storage, Site Preparation, Care at Planting Time, Timing of Planting, Planting Methods, Moisture Conservation and Seedling Protection.

SEEDLING INSPECTION:

While at the nursery or before accepting delivered seedlings, check that seedlings match the seed zone and elevation specified on the order. This information should be printed on the container. Open several packages at random. While protecting exposed seedlings form drying, check for the following signs of damage:

• Dry roots

• White tip roots

• Swollen or burst buds

• Presence of mold on needles or stems

• Presence of sour odors

• Physical damage toseedlings

• Seedlings frozen in a solid block of ice

• Ripped or crushed bags or boxes exposed to circulating air

Remove a few seedlings from each opened package and strip areas of bark along the roots and stem with a fingernail or knife edge to reveal the woody tissues. The cambium layer of the stem must be green and moist with a light-colored sapwood beneath. Moist and consistently light-colored woody tissue should be found along the stripped root.

DO NOT ACCEPT DAMAGED SEEDLINGS: The seedlings must be alive, dormant, and disease free. Immediately contact the nursery staff for further instructions.

TEMPORARY STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Bareroot seedlings and cuttings may be stored for up to 7 to 10 days at temperatures from 36 to 45 degrees F. If snow is available, storage can be provided by constructing a cavity for the packaged seedlings (on a north facing slope or under shade if possible). If planting must be delayed or cold storage is not available, unpack bareroot seedlings and "heel in":

1. Dig a V-shaped trench in a moist, shady place;

2. Break bundles and spread seedlings out evenly, 3 or 4 thick, in an upright position to a depth equal to the root collar;

3. Fill in with loose soil, and water;

4. Complete filling in soil and pack firmly.

Unrooted cuttings and whips can be soaked in cold water (lower 1/3 to 1/2 is sufficient) for 48 hours prior to planting to enhance root formation.

SITE PREPARATION: Clear the planting area to mineral soil. Size of clearing must be large on sites with dense grass or herbaceous cover. Follow more specific instructions on the Forestland Site Preparation (490) specification worksheet.

CARE AT PLANTING TIME: Keep seedlings roots moist at all times after removal from shipping packages or heel-in trench. At the field site store seedlings in the shade or under a reflective space blanket. Do not use canvas to protect seedlings from solar heating. Use suitable container (bucket, bag, or planting tray) for carrying the trees during the planting operation. Keep wet material around roots to prevent their damage through exposure. Never carry a handful of trees exposed to the sun and wind. Take one tree at a time from the container and plant it immediately. Trim excessively long roots with a sharp hatchet, machete, shears, or scissors. Do not tear or rip roots. Containerized stock roots shall be keep moist at all times.

PLANTING METHODS:

Bareroot Seedlings – Open a hole or slit deeper than the root size to be planted to accommodate the root system with all roots pointing down (no "J" or "L" shaped roots). Plant seedlings slightly deeper than they grew in the nursery (indicated by a change in bark characteristics) with roots naturally positioned. Do not twist or bunch roots.

In slit planting, push the tree down to the bottom of the slit, then with a shaking motion, raise it gently back to the correct level. While holding the tree in an upright position, at the correct depth, bring loose, moist soil in around the root system. Do not let dry soil or surface litter fall into the hole. When the slit or hole is filled, pack the moist soil down firmly. No roots should be exposed or foliage covered.

Plugs – Plugs are easily planted due to their shape. Plugs are grown in cylindrical containers. Larger size plugs, i.e.

20 cubic inches, have larger root systems and grow quickly. Open a hole and place plug in hole at the same depth as grown in the container. Place moist soil around the plug and pack. Firm up soil completely around plugs to remove any air pockets.

Un-rooted Cuttings – For un-rooted cuttings and whips open a hole or slit deep enough to allow cuttings to be inserted so at least half to two-thirds of the cutting length is below ground. Insert cutting vertically with buds pointing up, insuring that one to three buds remain above ground. Firm the soil around the cutting so good contact with the soil is obtained.

Containerized – Containerized plants are best planted in the spring, summer and fall. Dig a hole at least 50 percent wider than the container. Plant the root ball top at or just below natural ground level. Root-bound plants should have the root system slit and flared out over a mound of soil in the planting hole. Cut off any long roots before planting. Refill hole with soil and pack well to remove air-pockets. If available, water plant. Prune off diseased or damaged branches, suckers, etc.

An optional, slow release fertilizer can be placed in the bottom of the planting whole. Make sure that initially there is no contact between the fertilizer and seedling roots.

MOISTURE CONSERVATION: Control competing vegetation for at least two years, using one of the following methods.

Hand or Mechanical – Use a hoe, shovel, brush cutter or chainsaw to control all competing vegetation in the immediate area (4-foot minimum diameter) of the seedling. Repeat as necessary until trees are free to grow.

Chemical – Apply herbicides according to label directions. The herbicide selected must be formulated and registered for use on forestland. Consult a local weed specialist for rates, timing and restrictions. Repeat as often as needed to control competing vegetation. An area 3 foot in diameter shall be treated.

Mulch – Spread mulch material (paper, plastic, geotextile, etc.) around the base of seedling for a minimum of 1.5 radius around the seedling. See Mulching (484) specification and complete job sheet if using mulch.

SEEDLING PROTECTION - Where browsing pests damage seedlings, seedlings will be protected. Protection techniques will be commensurate with the pest causing damage. Acceptable methods include fencing, tree tubes, bud caps, repellants, whole tree protectors

TIMING OF PLANTING: Avoid planting on hot, windy days. Planting site must be free of snow and the soil frost-free. Do not carry more seedlings than can be planted in one hour (warm, windy, dry day) to two hours (calm, humid day). Utilize debris and stumps to provide shade for newly planted seedlings wherever possible.

WEATHER RESTRICTIONS

Planting will not be allowed in one inch (1”) or more of snow or in soil frozen to a depth of one-half inch (1/2”). In general, seedlings will not be planted during periods of east winds, when the temperature exceeds 55 degrees, or when relative humidity is less than 40%.

Operation and Maintenance:

See Herbaceous Weed Control (315) for detailed specifications on follow-up treatment of competing vegetation.

Competing herbaceous vegetation (primarily invasive annual grasses) shall occur twice, once following planting and once 1 year after planting.

Vegetation may need further control beyond these two prescribed treatments. Monitor planted areas for regrowth of competing vegetation, specifically grasses in the 1-2 years of growth subsequent to this prescription. Monitor also for shrub competition, particularly ceanothus species (deerbrush or buckbrush), and treat accordingly. Consult JSWCD, ODF Stewardship Forester, or OSU Extension Forestry for recommendations on best practices to maintain conifer plantings in years 3-10 and beyond.

Associated Practices:

Conservation Cover (328) Critical Area Planting (342) Early Successional Habitat Development/Mgt. (647) Forest Stand Improvement (666) Forest Trails and Landings (655) Hedgerow Planting (422) Integrated Pest Management (595) Nutrient Management (590)

Riparian Forest Buffer (391) Sediment Basin (350) Tree/Shrub Pruning (660) Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490) Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645) Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment (380) Windbreak/Shelterbelt Renovation (650)

CLIENT’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT:

The client acknowledges that:

a. They have received a copy of the specification and understand the contents and requirements.

b. It shall be the responsibility of the client to obtain all necessary permits and/or rights, and to comply with all ordinances and laws (Oregon Forest Practices Act) pertaining to the application of this practice.

Accepted By: /s/ Date:

CERTIFICATION:

The client has provided one or more of the required certification documentation options (acceptable forms of documentation are listed below), it has been reviewed, meets the specifications, and will be placed in the case file, and/or the site has been inspected, documented, and meets the specification.

Receipts from Contractor Map(s) – Including Field Numbers, Fields Treated, and Acres Treated Photo Monitoring Post Treatment Inventory:

Brief Description (Types of equipment and date of application.)

I have completed a review of the information provided by the client and certify this practice with field verification has been applied according to this specification

Certified By: /s/ Date:

Job Title:

FIELD LEVEL CERTIFICATION

Land Unit/CIN: Acres Completed: Date: Certifier:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.