![]() They are often the least expensive choice and usually quite small. Bare-root seedlings are two or three-year old plants. ![]() ![]() Planting stock can be purchased as either bare-root seedlings, bare-root transplants, or container grown seedlings. Firm the soil around seedlings to avoid air pockets. Place seedlings so that soil covers the root collar by not more than a half-inch. Make holes deep and large enough to ensure that tree roots are not crowded, upturned, exposed, or all vertical. When planting, carry small quantities of seedlings in a container with enough water to cover the root, or wrap them in wet moss or burlap. Keep unplanted trees cool, moist, and out of direct sunlight. Planting at this time will ensure that cool temperatures and adequate moisture will help to reduce transplant shock. Best results will be achieved if trees are planted as soon as the frost is out of the ground and before buds open. Spring is the ideal season for planting seedlings in New Hampshire. These can be applied in strips for rows, or spots for each individual tree, before planting. Site preparation is most economically accomplished by the use of herbicides. Seedlings will develop quicker and have a better chance of survival if competing heavy grasses and other vegetation are eliminated. Soil test information and packets are available at county offices of the UNH Cooperative Extension. A soil test will help to determine the quantity of lime and fertilizer needed to bring the site to an adequate level of fertility. The most frequent spacing intervals and subsequent numbers of trees per acre are:ĥx5 1,740 trees per acre 5圆 1,476 trees per acre 6圆 1,210 trees per acre PLANTINGĬonsider soil pH and fertility levels before planting. Spacing is dictated by the species, mowing machinery, and terrain. Spraying equipment, harvesting machinery and methods are other considerations. Edges where shading will affect tree quality are good road locations. The spacing, size, and frequency of these roads are dictated by a number of considerations. Provide good access roads into the plantation. Air drainage provided by rolling terrain helps prevent frost and certain disease problems. Avoid low areas subject to late spring frosts. Costs associated with clearing forested areas such as stumping and stone removal can exceed the possible economic gain of a Christmas tree plantation.Ĭhoose a gently rolling site. Old pastures and recently abandoned agricultural land are ideal locations for starting a plantation. Sandy, loam soils that are moderately to well-drained are ideal. Soils that are either excessively droughty or wet are unsuitable. Tree species used for Christmas trees have specific site requirements for optimal growth. Insect and disease problems, tree nutrition, weed control, shearing, and shaping are all critical management concerns which must be addressed. If you decide to start a plantation, begin in a modest fashion. Growing and selling Christmas trees is not a “get rich quick scheme”. It requires an annual commitment of time and money to produce a marketable crop. The difference between a successful and unsuccessful Christmas tree farm depends on site, soil type, customer preferences, possible sales methods, and accessability to markets.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |