ReforestationTreePlanting2022_ TechnicalSpecifications001.pdf

IDNR DIVISION OF FOREST RESOURCES

PLANTING STANDARDS; SPECIFICATION #001

The Division of Forest Resources requires the following standards for all tree plantings.

PLANTING: Seedling planting deadline is May 15 and start dates are after winter frost has left the soil and region dependent. Target “no sooner than” starts dates are defined in scope of work.

At least 90% of the planted seedlings must meet these planting standards for the planting practice to be approved:

Depth: Seedlings are to be planted to be at same depth as grown at the nursery once the soil is settled and firmly packed. Generally, this means installing seedlings with root collar 1"-2” deeper than the nursery soil line. The nursery soil line can be distinguished by a color change on the root collar at the point the plant tapers into the above-ground shoot. Seedlings should not be sunk in a hole or slit or raised in a mound. At no time should a seedling be planted with its main or primary roots exposed except that small secondary roots may be exposed for stock having larger, more fibrous root systems if the plant is firmly seated.

Root Pruning: Field pruning of root stock is discouraged. Trimming of primary or tap root(s) to facilitate transplanting equipment effective depth is allowed to the degree necessary but no shorter than 8 inches.

Firmness: Soil around a seedling roots must me packed firmly to eliminate air pockets. A properly planted seedling should be able to withstand a moderate tug with the thumb and index finger while remaining firmly in place.

Root Position: During planting, the main root and primary seedling roots must not be bunched; or bent and curled into a “J”; or twisted during installation and must be pointing in a downwards direction and must result in proper crown position. At no time should a seedling be planted with its main or primary roots exposed except that small secondary roots may be exposed for stock having larger, more fibrous root systems if the plant is firmly seated.

Crown Position: The seedling should be planted in such a way that the top (crown/stem) is in an upright position. This position should be nearly perpendicular to the ground below. Hardwoods are not to lean greater than 15 degrees off center.

Spacing: Distances within and between rows must not vary more than ½ foot from specified spacing.

Species Mixture: Must be according to the scope of work.

PLANTING STOCK SPECIFICATIONS: Mason State Tree Nursery 1-0 stock is provided which meets all

DNR specifications for 1 yr. seedlings. Forester or contractor responsible for planting must immediately notify nursery if any bags or bundles of cold-dormant live seedlings are defective, dried or dead prior to leaving Mason Nursery with stock.

SURVIVAL: At least 80% of the planted seedlings for the planting field must survive. Mason Nursery is providing properly packaged and stored: live, cold-dormant seedling stock. A minimum level of 80% of specified stocking rate must be clearly alive and actively growing as measured two weeks after planting breaks bud and/or by June 15th of the year planted.

December/2022