FOTG Section IV612 - Page 1 of 5
Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)
Conservation Practice Jobsheet
NRCS, PI
March 2007
Tree/Shrub Establishment612 –Page 1 of 5
FOTG Section IVJobsheet
Definition
Establishing woody plants by planting seedlings or cuttings, direct seeding, or natural regeneration.
Purpose
Establish woody plants for:
- forest products such as timber, pulpwood, and energy biomass
- wildlife habitat
- long-term erosion control and improvement of water quality
- treating waste
- storing carbon in biomass
- energy conservation
- improving or restoring natural diversity
- enhancing aesthetics.
Conditions Where Practice Applies
Tree/shrub establishment can be applied on any appropriately prepared site where woody plants can be grown.
Conservation Management System
Trees and shrubs are normally established as part of a conservation management system to address the soil, water, air, plant, and animal needs, including wildlife, and the client’s objectives.
Other practices should be used for specialized tree/shrub establishment situations, e.g., Riparian Forest Buffer (391); Alley Cropping (311); Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment (380); Critical Area Planting (342); Hedgerow Planting (422).
Plans and Specifications
The following section of this Jobsheet provides site-specific practice installation, operation and maintenance information for the client. The site specifications shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements in theConservation Practice Standard and the guidance in the Conservation Practice Specification.
NRCS, PI
March 2007
Tree/Shrub Establishment612 –Page 1 of 5
FOTG Section IVJobsheet
Tree/Shrub Establishment – Jobsheet
Prepared for: / Client and/or Business Name:Owner or Operator:
Treatment Unit Name: / Treatment Unit Size (acres):
Prepared by: / Name: / Date:
Purpose of Applying Practice
Primary Purpose:Other Purposes:
Site Preparation
A precondition for tree/shrub establishment is appropriately prepared sites. If site preparation is needed, consider applying the conservation practice Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490).
Is site preparation required for the field or treatment unit? Yes or no:
Method of site preparation to be used (mechanical, chemical, and/or scarification for natural regeneration):
Site preparation requirements per method to be used:Plant Species and Spacing (also see Job Sketch)
Species/cultivar by row number: / Establishment method1: / Length of row (ft): / Distance between plants within row (ft): / Total number of plants per row: / Distance (ft) from this row to next row2:1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1Establishment method to be used: BAreroot, COntainer, CUtting; direct seeding, or natural regeneration. Includestock size, caliper, height, and age, as applicable. 2 Adjusted for width of maintenance equipment.
Selection and Care of Planting Material
Care in handling and planting of the seed, cuttings or seedlings will ensure that planted materials have an acceptable rate of survival. Only viable, high-quality and adapted planting stock or seed will be used.Potting bare-root stock 3 to 4 months before planting will help produce more vigorous transplants. Dibble tube stock is preferred to bare-root stock. Cuttings may be rooted in pots or beds, then transplanted. Unrooted cuttings may be planted directly depending on the species, available moisture and other conditions. Consider using a rooting hormone to enhance rooting percentage. If bare-root stock is not planted immediately, it should be “heeled-in” in a V-shaped trench under shade or potted and kept moist.
Additional site-specific requirements for planting materials:
Planting
Selection of planting technique and timing will be appropriate for the site and soil conditions.
Plant stock either in furrows or individual holes. If planting in furrows, be sure the grade is on the contour. Do not bend or crowd the roots. If individual planting holes are dug through sod or untilled ground, make these as large as practicable and herbicide or clear a 3-foot diameter circle outside of the hole at the time of planting.
Plant bare-root stock slightly deeper than they were in the nursery.
Planting in sites with irrigation may be done at any time, provided that adequate moisture if provided immediately after planting. Planting in sites without irrigation, should be done as early in the wet season as possible. Because precipitation varies from year to year at different locations, consult the local rainfall records for optimum planting dates. Avoid planting on hot, windy days.
Site-specific requirements for planting:
Timing of planting:
Plant Protection and Cultural Treatments
The planting will be protected from plant and animal pests and fire. If pesticides are used, refer to standard Pest Management (595), as appropriate. Site-specific requirements, if protection is needed:Each site will be evaluated to determine if mulching, supplemental water or other cultural treatments (e.g., tree protection devices, shade cards, brush mats) will be needed to assure adequate survival and growth.
Mulching around seedlings will help to conserve moisture and control weeds. Organic mulches, cinders and plastic mulches are effective, but local site conditions must be considered. Planting seedlings or cuttings through black plastic mulch and irrigating each plant with a drip irrigation system works well for many types of plantings. Consider applying the practice Mulching (484), if appropriate. Site-specific requirements, if mulching is needed:
Supplemental water via an irrigation system will be applied to establish the plants, if necessary. Irrigation systems must be in place prior to planting. Site-specific requirements, if irrigationisneeded:
Fertilizer and lime will be applied as needed to establish the trees and shrubs. Application will be based on a soil test and the practice Nutrient Management (Code 590). Site-specific requirements for fertilizer and lime application:Operation and Maintenance
Access by vehicles or equipment during or after tree/shrub establishment shall be controlled to protect new plants and minimize erosion, compaction and other site impacts. Refer to the standard Use Exclusion (472).The trees and shrubs will be inspected periodically and protected from adverse impacts including insects, diseases or competing vegetation, fire and damage from livestock or wildlife.
If needed, competing vegetation will be controlled until the woody plants are established. Noxious weeds will be controlled. If pesticides are used, refer to standard Pest Management (595).
Replanting will be required when survival is inadequate.
Supplemental water will be provided as needed.
Periodic applications of nutrients may be needed to maintain plant vigor.
After trees and/or shrubs are established, refer to the standardsForest Stand Improvement (666), and Tree/Shrub Pruning (660), for subsequent management.
Additional site-specific operation and maintenance requirements:
Tree/Shrub Establishment – Job Sketch
If needed, an aerial view or a side view of the practice can be shown below. Other relevant information, complementary practices and measures, and additional specifications may be included.
Scale 1"= / ft. (NA indicates sketch not to scale: grid size=1/2" by 1/2")The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-2791.
To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
NRCS, PI
March 2007