NURSERY
In a seedling nursery, seeds can be planted to grow baby trees in small containers or they can be planted directly into the ground. In this lesson, we’ll take a look at the very different planting and harvesting techniques used and the pros and cons of each method.
Containerized vs. Bareroot Seedlings
Sowing, another word for planting seeds, takes place in early spring. Containerized seeds are planted using a machine with a conveyor belt, then they're placed on elevated tables to grow. Meanwhile, bareroot seeds are planted directly into the ground.
As you watch the videos below, how many differences between each planting method can you come up with? Make a list.
Containerized vs. Bareroot Seedlings
When it's time to harvest, or "lift," the seedlings, the process is also very different for each growing method. Containerized seedlings are carefully pulled out of their containers and placed in bags. Bareroot seedlings are lifted by tractor, then sorted and bagged for shipment.
As you watch the videos below, think about how fragile young seedlings can be. Is one growing method more likely to survive replanting than the other?
Tiny seedlings are extremely fragile, especially between lifting and replanting. To ensure the greatest chance that the baby trees will survive and thrive in the forest, nursery teams work very hard to quickly deliver them to the forest. Ideally, they will only be out of the ground for a few days before they're planted in the forest, where they will grow for decades.
Containerized vs. Bareroot Seedlings
Additional Links
Take a Quick Tour of the Colorado State Forest Service Seedling Nursery.
Virtual Tour: Check out this 11-stop video tour of Rayonier's Seedling Nursery.
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Learn more about Tree Nurseries along with what comes next in the Forestry Lifecycle: