| dc.description.abstract | Tree transplanting practices influence plant survival, establishment, and
subsequent landscape value. The inability to adequately quantify effects of inappropriate
tree planting and transplanting practices threatens long-term viability and productivity
(sustainability) of trees within terrestrial ecosystems. Tree planting depth, i.e. location of
the root collar relative to soil grade, is of particular concern for tree growth,
development, and performance in the landscape. A series of model studies was
conducted to investigate effects of planting depth, container production methods, and
transplanting practices on landscape establishment of container-grown trees. Studies
included determining the effect of planting depth and soil amendments on live oak
(Quercus virginiana Mill.) and baldcypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) L. Rich.), the
effect of planting depth during container production and subsequent landscape
establishment of lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia Jacq.), the effect of planting depth and
irrigation practices on landscape establishment of sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.),
and the effect of planting depth and transplant season on landscape establishment of
baldcypress. Optimum planting depth varied among species and was dependent on
cultural practices and/or environmental conditions. Overall, live oak and baldcypress
growth was better when planted with root collars at grade in sand in raised beds
compared to planting below grade in control soils. Lacebark elm growth was greater
when planted at grade during the initial container production phase and below grade in the second container production phase. Subsequent landscape establishment was
variable, but planting at grade to 5 cm above grade produced greater growth. Sycamore
trees planted below grade had increased mortality and decreased growth compared to
trees planted at grade or above grade, while irrigation had no effect. Baldcypress planted
above grade had reduced growth compared to those planted at or below grade, while
transplant season had no effect. Species and cultivars within species may differ markedly
in their response to environmental/cultural stresses, including planting depth. Each tree
species originating from a specific environment may represent an ecotype adapted to that
particular environment. Therefore, tree survival and performance may depend on the
difference between the environment from which the tree was grown and the
experimental system into which it is introduced. | en |
