"Path Cultivator" Controls Weeds in Nursery Seedbeds
These studies collectively show that northern red oak can be established on forested Cumberland Plateau sites with conventional, bar-slit planting. Intensive hole-planting methods are not needed and offer no advantages in survival or growth. May 1962 was the driest May in central Tennessee since 1951. The summer of 1963 was also dry, moisture stress being severe even on the normally favorable north slopes. The excellent initial survival on both sites thus indicates that bare-rooted northern red oak seedlings are fairly hardy. Tubeling or other specialized plant forms, while they may be worthwhile for late planting, do not seem necessary during the normal planting season. If roots and tops are not trimmed at the nursery, they can be shortened in the field. Root pruning is particularly advantageous with bar planting, to avoid curling the taproot when inserting it in the planting slit. Cutting roots shorter than about 8 inches is unnecessary and, as indicated in one study, may retard first-year growth. The faster initial growth of top-clipped seedlings tends to compensate for height loss incurred by treatment. Their sprouting capability should also help young red oaks recover from moderate injury by animals.
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Author(s): Richard M. Raymond
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 24, Number 3 (1973)
Volume: 24
Number: 3