TREE SEEDLING DISTRIBUTION

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2012 Tree Seedling Distribution Program 
 Species Selection Guide and Tree Planting Tips

General Information                                     

Frequently Asked Questions

Species Selection Guide

Site Preparation Information

Tree Planting Tips

Species - Site Suitability -  Species Characteristics/Uses

Evergreen Trees - easier to establish and maintain

White Pine (Pinus strobus) - Average to moist, well-drained sands or clay/loam soils. Avoid extremely dry or exposed sites. Used primarily for reforestation. Will tolerate some shade. Moderate growth rate.

White Spruce (Picea glauca) - Average to moist sands, sandy loams, clay loams or well-drained clay soils. Avoid very dry or very wet sites. Used for reforestation, shelterbelts and windbreaks. Will tolerate some shade. Moderate growth rate.

White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) - Will tolerate a wide range of soils, from moderately dry to very moist conditions. Avoid very dry sites. Used for windbreaks. Will tolerate some shade. Slow growing.

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) - Will tolerate a wide range of soils, but requires moist soils. Used as a Christmas tree. Will tolerate some shade.

Deciduous Trees - require more protection in seedling stages from extreme weather & animals (mice, rabbits & deer)

Red Oak (Quercus rubra) - Rich, well drained sandy loams and loams. Avoid planting in heavy clays or on wet sites. Provides food and cover for wildlife. Requires full sunlight. Moderate growth rate.

Sugar Maple – Will tolerate a wide range of soils, but grows best on deep, moist, and well drained soils. Provides food and cover for wildlife. Will tolerate shade.  

Tamarack (Larix laricina) – Moist, well-drained soils; often grows in or near wetlands. Intolerant of shade. Fast growing tree.

Shrubs

Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) - Moist to very moist soils. Often grows near wetland areas or along roadside ditches. Commonly planted to attract birds and other wildlife. Fast growing shrub.

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) - Moist to very moist soils. Often grows near wetland areas. Commonly planted to attract birds and other wildlife. Will tolerate some shade.

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Site Preparation Information

A variety of fact sheets about trees and tree planting are available from the LandOwner Resource Centre:  

Planning for Tree Planting http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/plng_tr_plnt.pdf

Species Information

White Pine: http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/wht_pn.pdf

Eastern White Cedar: http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/cdr.pdf

Red Oak: http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/rd_oak.pdf

White Spruce: http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/wht_sprce.pdf
Butternut: http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/bttrnt.pdf

Sugar Maple: http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/sgr_mpl.pdf

Preparing a Site for Tree Planting http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/clrng.pdf

Careful Handling of Nursery Stock http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/pdf/crflhnd.pdf

The complete list of Forestry Extension Notes 

http://www.lrconline.com/Extension_Notes_English/forestry/for_index.html

Tree Planting Tips

• Handle trees with care, and plant as soon as possible, keeping roots moist until planted.

• Handle seedlings by the base of the stem, taking care not to bruise the bark.

• Plant the tree in a hole large enough to accommodate the roots spread out in a natural position.

• Do not bunch, spiral, double-over or bend roots.

• Do not bury live branches or foliage, or leave any roots exposed to air.

• Cover roots with soil and tamp soil firmly to remove air pockets.

• Spacing: trees should generally be planted 2-3 m (6-10’) apart.

• At the time of planting, only prune broken or damaged branches or roots.

• For the first year or two, after a week of hot or dry weather, water the trees well and slowly, if possible.

• Keep the area around the tree free from grass or weeds that compete for moisture.

• Fertilizer is not needed for newly planted trees

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