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Task 4: Plant Seedlings - Project Template

Part of: Plan Section (Vision → Plan → Reality)
Type: Template/Playbook for Small Plot Restoration
Status: Template - Customize for Your Project

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Purpose​

Proper planting technique is the most critical moment in the restoration process. Even healthy seedlings from ideal sites will fail if planted incorrectly. This step ensures each tree gets the best possible start.

This is a template. Customize planting techniques, timing, and protection methods based on your specific species, site conditions, and climate.

🎯 Non-Negotiables (Science Consensus)​

These must be followed - they are based on scientific consensus:

  1. Proper Planting Depth: Seedlings must be planted at correct depth (root collar at soil surface). Planting too deep or too shallow causes mortality.

  2. Root Health: Roots must be handled carefully and not damaged during planting. Damaged roots lead to poor establishment and mortality.

  3. Timing: Planting must occur at appropriate time for species and climate. Planting at wrong time causes high mortality.

  4. Initial Watering: Seedlings must be watered immediately after planting. First watering is critical for establishment.

  5. Protection: Newly planted seedlings must be protected from herbivores and other threats. Unprotected seedlings have high mortality.

🔀 Options & Pathways​

Pathway A: Professional Planting Crew​

When to use: Larger projects, when quality is critical, have budget, want guaranteed results

Approach:

  • Professional planting crew
  • Trained and experienced
  • Proper tools and techniques
  • Quality control
  • Higher cost but reliable

Pros:

  • Highest quality
  • Professional techniques
  • Reliable results
  • Efficient

Cons:

  • Higher cost (€2-5 per seedling)
  • Requires professional crew
  • May need scheduling

Pathway B: Trained Volunteer Crew​

When to use: Community engagement focus, limited budget, want to involve community, educational value

Approach:

  • Train volunteers in proper techniques
  • Supervised planting
  • Community work days
  • Educational value
  • Lower cost

Pros:

  • Lower cost (€0.50-2 per seedling)
  • Community engagement
  • Educational value
  • Accessible

Cons:

  • Requires training
  • May be slower
  • Variable quality
  • Needs supervision

Pathway C: Hybrid Approach​

When to use: Most projects - balance of professional and volunteer involvement

Approach:

  • Professional crew for critical areas
  • Trained volunteers for other areas
  • Professional supervision
  • Quality control
  • Flexible

Pros:

  • Good balance
  • Cost-effective
  • Engages community
  • Professional validation

Cons:

  • Requires coordination
  • May need training

📋 Implementation Steps​

Step 1: Timing​

Optimal seasons:

  • Autumn (Oct-Nov): Best - soil warm, winter rains ahead
  • Early Spring (Feb-Mar): Good - before summer stress
  • Avoid: Summer heat and winter freezes

Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon (avoid midday heat)

Weather conditions:

  • Avoid planting during extreme weather
  • Don't plant when soil is frozen
  • Don't plant when soil is waterlogged
  • Wait for favorable conditions

Step 2: Hole Preparation​

For each tree:

  • Dig hole 2-3x wider than root ball
  • Depth: Same as container/root collar depth (NOT deeper)
  • Loosen soil on sides and bottom
  • Remove rocks and debris
  • Save topsoil separately

Step 3: Seedling Handling​

Critical care:

  • Keep roots moist until planting (wet burlap covering)
  • Never leave roots exposed to sun/wind
  • Handle gently - don't drop or damage
  • Plant within 30 minutes of removing from container

Container-grown:

  • Gently remove from pot
  • Loosen circling roots
  • Prune damaged roots
  • Keep root ball intact

Bare-root:

  • Soak roots 2-4 hours before planting
  • Prune broken or damaged roots
  • Keep in water bucket until planting
  • Never let roots dry out

Step 4: Placement​

In the hole:

  • Position at correct depth (root collar at soil surface)
  • Ensure tree is straight and upright
  • Orient best side toward viewing direction
  • Root spread naturally (no circling)

Step 5: Backfilling​

Fill hole carefully:

  • Use native soil mixed with compost (50/50)
  • Fill in layers, firming gently
  • Eliminate air pockets
  • Create slight depression for water retention
  • NO soil over root collar

Step 6: Initial Watering​

First watering is critical:

  • Water deeply immediately after planting
  • 10-20 liters per tree (depending on size)
  • Let water soak in completely
  • Water again if soil sinks
  • Creates good soil-root contact

Step 7: Mulching​

Apply organic mulch:

  • 5-10cm layer around base
  • Extend to drip line radius
  • Keep mulch away from trunk (5cm gap)
  • Suppresses weeds and retains moisture
  • Moderates soil temperature

Step 8: Protection​

Protect young trees:

  • Tree guards against herbivores
  • Stakes for support if needed
  • Fencing for high-pressure areas
  • Mark locations for monitoring
  • Document protection measures

Step 9: Post-Planting Care​

Immediate follow-up:

  • Monitor for first few weeks
  • Water as needed (don't overwater)
  • Check for problems (pests, disease, damage)
  • Replace dead seedlings promptly
  • Document survival rates

💡 Customization Notes​

When using this template for your project:

  1. Species-Specific: Adapt techniques to your specific species (some need different approaches)

  2. Site Conditions: Adjust methods based on your site (soil, topography, water availability)

  3. Climate: Adapt timing and care to your specific climate

  4. Budget: Choose planting pathway based on available resources

  5. Scale: Adjust methods based on project size

  6. Local Knowledge: Engage local experts and community members who know the area

Remember: This is a template. Your actual project will have specific species, site conditions, and resource constraints that make it unique.

Next Steps​

Once seedlings are planted: → Task 5: Monitor Growth

Remember: Proper planting technique is the most critical moment in restoration. Even healthy seedlings will fail if planted incorrectly.

This is a template. Customize it for your project.