Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Trees must be planted approximately 8 feet apart in a random pattern. Seedlings may not be planted within 20 feet of existing mature trees and 10 feet from any other seedlings or saplings that may be naturally present. 2. Every individual tree planting site must be scraped to mineral soil to remove any competitive grasses/shrubs. Each site must be approximately 2’x2’ and scraped using a hoedad, Mcleod, prohoe rogue, pulaski, adzhoe, or similar scraping tool. 3. Proper site selection for seedlings is critical and will include the north/east side of stumps, logs, rocks, and shrubs. Areas that are shaded during the hottest part of the day will be ideal. Animal burrows, game trails, roadways, and rocky areas must be avoided as well as excessively low or high spots. 4. Planting bags will only be filled with a single layer of seedlings. They may not be stacked upon each other. Seedlings may not be left exposed for long periods, or left in plantings bags overnight or in direct sunlight for several hours. Bags may not be filled with more than 1 hour’s supply of seedlings. Seedlings in boxes or bags will be kept in shaded locations at all times. 5. Holes must be the same depth as the seedling plug (approximately 10 inches) and dug primarily by hand using shovels, mattocks, hoe dads, hazel hoes, or pulaskis. 6. Plugs must be handled gently so that they are not damaged by scuffing the bark or bending the stem. Contractor must protect seedlings from damage such as crushing, standing, or sitting on seedlings. Seedlings must not be carried in hand with plug exposed while waiting for an available hole. 7. Planting holes shall be filled with loose soil to avoid air pockets and properly tamped while planting. Leaves, litter, and duff must be removed before planting and not be used to fill planting hole. 8. Firming in will be done by hand preferably or very gently by foot. Firming in will not be done by stepping on the seedling. 9. Seedling must be planted vertically with no more than 30 degrees from vertical. 10. Seedlings must pass the “four needle” test (must remain firmly in the ground when pulled by four needles). 11. Seedlings must have the top of their plug at the natural soil level or just under the surface. Exposed plugs caused by shallow holes are unacceptable as are trees planted more than ½ inch below the surface. Holes must also be of adequate depth to prevent bending the plug (J-rooting).
