Specifications include, but are not limited to: Conifer Bud Capping o This treatment will require the application of 4” x 4” paper bud caps in accordance with the specifications outlined in the specifications and at the Project Supervisor’s direction. o All pine under 4' in height on each site will be capped unless other specifications are indicated on the project proposals. o The approximate number of trees per acre to cap on each site is indicated in the Project Summaries section below (item H). o Suitable paper products include common lightweight papers such as typing or photocopy paper. o The paper should be cut to 4” x 4”, folded around the terminal bud of the tree, and stapled to some needles near the top. o Bud caps should be applied with three staples catching needles. The staples have to be put on tight enough, so they squeeze the needles and don’t pull off in the wind. Use a common office-type desktop stapler or equivalent. o The paper should be placed so that the bud cluster is at least 1/2 inch below the top of the paper but not lower than the midpoint. The proper stapling pattern is shown in the photo. The staples should be applied near the outside edge of the paper. The middle staple should be parallel to the edge. The other two should be near the corners and at a 45-degree angle. All of the staples should be no more than 1 inch from the edge of the paper Oak Bud Capping o This treatment will require the application of 4” x 4” paper bud caps in accordance with the specifications outlined in the specifications and at the Project Supervisor’s direction. o Oak seedlings will be easiest to identify after the leaves change color, typically in late September or early October. o Step 1: Fold 4”x 4” bud cap paper in half o Step 2: Fold in half again, rip out corner with your teeth. o Step 3: Gently pull the leaves off the stem of the tree without damaging the stem. Apply cap over bud/stem, sliding hole over the bud. o Step 4: Fold bud cap paper back into corners, two times (first fold). o Step 5: Second Fold. Pull closed cap side edge tight, close to stem. Bud should be at least ¼ inch below top of paper. o Step 6a: Holding the paper bud cap in place with your forefinger & thumb. Bud should be at least ¼ inch below top of paper. o Step 6b: Staple once close to the stem nearly vertical, then a second time, forming an X or a crossed V o Step 7: Give the cap a tug. If it holds, it is good. If it doesn’t, make another attempt with another piece of paper. If it doesn’t hold a second or third time, attempt to cap the seedling more traditionally like a conifer, without the needles, placing the staples vertically. A third staple can be applied out towards the upper right-hand corner of the cap. This might help to deter browsing, giving the deer a taste of metal. Remember, the bud cap needs to be open enough so the new leaf can emerge from the cap in the spring.
