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Home → Publications → Tree Planters' Notes → Tree Planters' Notes Volume 21, Number 3 (1970) → Planting Black Spruce on Brushy Lowland Successful If Done in Unshaded Sphagnum

Planting Black Spruce on Brushy Lowland Successful If Done in Unshaded Sphagnum

Reforesting brushy lowland by planting black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B. S. P.) has had little success in the Lake States despite many attempts during the past 2 decades. Yet reforestation of the 3 1/2 million acres of brushy lowland in this region is desired and should be possible, because much of it was previously occupied by black spruce. A black spruce planting study by Roe (1960) on 2 areas of brushy lowland in northcentral Minnesota showed poor survival and growth, attributed to planting methods and browsing by snowshoe hares. As a result, Roe recommended using transplants rather than seedlings, avoiding low planting spots, and protecting against browsing. A new study, implementing these recommendations, was established in 1963 to evaluate the effect of competing vegetation and condition of ground surface on survival and growth of planted black spruce. After 2 years, spruce survival was good only on living sphagnum moss, and growth was greater on open than on shaded plots.


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Author(s): William F. Johnston

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 21, Number 3 (1970)

Volume: 21

Number: 3