• Only one (1) seedling shall be planted per hole. • The hole shall be in mineral soil free from duff or trash. • Seedlings are to be planted at root collar or deeper but not excessively deep: planting tool should be 8"x3" minimum. Tree roots will be a minimum of six (6) inches deep. • The tap root is to be planted without "J" rooting (turned more than 90 degrees). • Lateral roots shall not be twisted or balled up. • Seedlings shall stand at no more than 30 degrees of straight up and down. • The hole shall be filled in at both the bottom and top and packed firmly without injury to bark or seedling. (4 needle test of seedling to test tightness) • Seedlings are not to be planted in frozen soil or when air temperatures freeze root hairs. • Do not expose tree seedling to the sun or wind. Seedling may be stored in insulated or non-insulated truck/trailer – provided there is ventilation to prevent heat build-up and seedlings would not freeze, under tarps in the shade, or in similar conditions, so long as the seedlings stay cool. No seedling to be stored overnight on the sites being planted without permission of the Department. • Seedlings are to be planted at 436 trees per acre, 10'x10' spacing on the AppomattoxBuckingham State Forest, Charlotte State Forest, First Mountain State Forest, Dragon Run State Forest, and Zoar State Forest. • Seedling roots shall not be beaten or otherwise damaged. • Trees coated with clay slurry should not be rinsed off. • Pruning of excessive tap or lateral roots will be done only with prior approval of the Department representative on the tract.
