The Effect of Root System and Depth of Planting on the Survival and Growth of Scots Pine When Planted in a Highway Right of way

During the highway beautification program of 1966, large quantities of pines were planted along the Interstate Highway System in Michigan. But, unfortunately, by the spring of 1967 it was obvious that many of these pines were dead and others were in poor physiological condition. Some nurserymen believed that the situation was caused by the pines not having been rootpruned prior to planting or the plants having been improperly planted. To determine what type of root system and which planting depth was most desirable for the planting of pines along the highway, an experiment, utilizing 4- to 5-foot Scots pines, was planted in the spring of 1967 on a part of the median strip on U.S. Highway 127 a few miles south of the 1-96 interchange. All the plants were obtained from a commercial nursery in southwestern Michigan. One-third of the pines used in the experiment had been rootpruned the year previously and had developed a fibrous root system. These plants were balled and burlapped according to, the recommended standards for nursery stock. The nonrootpruned plants were also dug according to the standards, but one half of the group was potted whereas the remainder were balled and burlapped. This was done to determine if potting had any effect on the survival rate.

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Author(s): Walter H. Davidson

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 21, Number 2 (1970)

Volume: 21

Number: 2