Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. - Hal Borland, Countryman: A Summary of Belief

Tree Planting Challenges

Reforestation efforts are under threat in Wisconsin, across the United States, and throughout the world. Deer and rodent browse along with severe weather conditions can diminish tree survival rates. Below are some of the more common problems associated with reforestation.

Rodent and Small Animal Browse In the first two years, rodents and small animals like rabbits can severely damage newly planted seedlings.

Deer Browse In many states, deer populations have significantly grown. This growing population pressure has resulted in greater numbers of deer to browse on young trees and on vegetation within reach. This has not only undermined reforestation efforts, but it is also transforming the very composition of some stands of woods and the understory vegetation at the expense of native species and ecological diversity.

Weeds

Lack of weed control that results in abundant vegetation around newly planted trees starves the seedlings from the nutrients they need for survival.

Increasingly Severe Weather

From record heat waves and droughts to 100-year precipitation events, the unseasonable weather patterns and extreme weather events are becoming ever greater variables in tree survival.

Soil Deficiencies

Whether you are planting on former fields of corn or soybeans, or replanting areas along streams that may have once been cow pastures, soils in which the trees are planted may lack important nutrients and minerals.

Inadequate Site Preparation, Poor Tree Stock and Other Problems

Even with the best post-planting plan, difficulties can result from inadequate site preparation, poor tree stock or handling, and improper planting techniques.

Reforestation aides are not the solution to all the problems you might encounter while planting trees. They are, however, among the many strategies you can adopt to increase your reforestation success. Your tree planting efforts increasingly demand active landowner management.

Protect your trees. Select from the growing list of reforestation aides offered by Southwest Badger RC&D, and increase your chances of a prosperous forest in the years to come.

Southwest Badger
Resource, Conservation & Development Council, Inc.
150 W. Alona Ln.
Lancaster WI 53813
Tel: 608-723-6377 x136
E-mail: swbadger@tds.net
Website: www.treeprotection.org