Winter Transplants

Day 57: Several of my readers in different venues have expressed concern over our recent planting of Douglas fir saplings despite wintry conditions. Let me allay your fears! First of all, Dougs are cold-climate trees. Second, they're husbanding their growth energy at this time of year, and not putting effort into sprouting either new roots or needles. They're dormant, having a good long rest before spring. In fact, they are in a nearly ideal phase for transplanting. Care must be taken when transporting the seedlings, though, and to that end, their roots are wrapped in wet burlap to keep them moist, and they're left in heavy canvas totes until the holes have been prepared.

Despite our recent run of temps in the mid-20s, the ground is only frozen down an inch or so below the surface. When planting a bare-root Doug seedling, a narrow hole is dug, ideally at least as deep as the roots are long so that they aren't bent when the tree is put in place. The sapling is then dangled in the hole and the soil is packed around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Thus compacted, the soil acts as insulation against freezing. Their further care is consigned to Mother Nature, who at this time of year is more than generous with precipitation in some form or another. Don't worry! She's looking out for them.