Site Preparation: Before planting, the tree planting site will need site preparation treatment to remove woody and herbaceous competition and decrease vole and mice habitat. Proper site preparation is essential for planting success. • Prior to installing any protective structure, control and remove all grass and weeds within a three (3) foot radius of the seedling. Sod scalping and/or chemical control methods may be used. Refer to the General Guidelines section below. • Vegetation control mats shall be used in junction to alleviate weed pressure. o Weed control mats should be securely installed with the use of 4 sod staples. o Weed control mats shall be 3ft x 3ft in size. o A slit in the middle of the weed control mat allows for the mat to be placed over the installed tree seedling. o Ensure that weed control mats are installed per manufacturer specifications, e.g. installed the correct way up. Planting Recommendations: Seedlings shall be planted during the following planting windows. • Spring: February 15 – April 15 • Fall: November 15 to December 15 Avoid planting when ground is frozen or dry or excessively wet and sticky. • Seedlings shall be planted with their roots straight down not “L” or “J” rooted. • Planting holes shall be free of debris and have only one seedling per hole. • Soil must be packed firmly around the planted seedlings with no air pockets around roots. Be sure to allow enough room for the roots to be planted without crowding. • Bare root seedlings shall be at least 1/4-inch diameter at the root collar or 12” in height • Planting Density: 300 trees/acre at 12’ x 12’ spacing o Between the end of a row and fences there shall be at least 12 feet of open space to allow for mowing and maintenance access • Planting Schedule (see attached map for more information) o Spring/Fall 2026: approximately 34.95 acres o Spring/Fall 2027: approximately 37.46 acres o Spring/Fall 2028: approximately 23.5 acres
