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Home → Publications → Tree Planters' Notes → Tree Planters' Notes Volume 48, Number 4 (1997) → Growth of Root-Pruned Seedlings in a Thermally Impacted Area of South Carolina

Growth of Root-Pruned Seedlings in a Thermally Impacted Area of South Carolina

Flooding of Pen Branch delta on the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site near Aiken, SC, by thermal effluents from 1954-1989 resulted in the death of most existing vegetation, with little re-establishment of desirable tree species since hot water discharges ceased. Re-establishment of desirable tree species may require planting. Four habitat types in the delta were identified for planting: cleared (grass cut), grass, willow, and muck. Species chosen for planting in this study were baldcypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.), water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica L.), swamp blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora (Walt.) Sarg.), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.). Roots of seedlings were pruned to facilitate planting under wet conditions and to compare growth responses to seedlings with intact roots. Samples were collected at 0, 4, 7, and 14 months to determine differences in height growth and in stem and root biomass. Differences between pruned and non-pruned seedlings were variable depending on the species and area in which they were planted, but moderate pruning of roots was not detrimental to seedling growth and establishment and represents a quick and easy method of planting flooded sites.


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Author(s): William H. Conner

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 48, Number 4 (1997)

Volume: 48

Number: 4