Form Instructions

Form 83 Hardwood Planting Quality

Last Revised Date: 2008-12-19

1. Fill in all landowner, tract, site preparation, and planting method information using tract files, information obtained from NRCS field workers, information from the planting contractor, information from the landowner or any other valid source of information.  Take time to explain exactly what was done to prepare the site for planting and any details about the seedling source and planting technique.
2. Run sample lines diagonally across seedling rows. Sample from the first row diagonally at a 45-degree angle across consecutive rows in a zigzag pattern to cover entirety of tract.  On tracts with only a single row of planted stems, sample every other tree or every two trees; adjust accordingly depending on length of rows shape and or size of tract.
3. Generally, on tracts 5 acres or less space points ½ chains apart, on 5 to 10 acre tracts space points one chain apart, on 10 to 20 acre tracts space points 2 chains apart, and on tracts greater than 20 acres space points 3 chains apart. Measure and record samples from across the entire tract.  If the tract is one contiguous piece, space sample points across the entire tract.  If the site has multiple plant areas, sample points should be taken from each area on the property.
4. Tally and record data from the nearest tree at the end of each paced distance.  If possible identify species and record using the Hardwood Abbreviations sheet; otherwise place an “M” for missing, a “U” for unidentifiable or a “D” for dead. Indicate with a mark in each column the items that apply to each tree.  If there is no problem with the tree or the item does not apply, leave the box blank.  Make note of any missing tubes, unplanted seedlings, or any other information pertaining to the establishment of the site and record this as recommended practices under the “Recommendations” section at the bottom of the page along with any other recommendations to enhance or improve the plant site.
5. At every seedling, indicate if: the seedling is not the right species for the site, the diameter is less than .25 inches at the root collar (diameter of a wooden pencil), the seedling is planted under the canopy, the tube is not buried in the ground 2-3 inches, the plant spot was not scalped of grass competition prior to planting, the grass mat was not secured to the ground, and the flared end of the tube is down and not up.
6. At every 6th tree, remove the tree shelter and indicate if the seedling’s root collar is not within 1-inch of ground level and indicate if the stem is excessively loose. Also, at every 6th tree, measure the distance between the rows and between the trees in the row to determine plant spacing.  After sampling the entire site, the distances/spacing can be averaged to determine if the site is adequately stocked based on landowner objectives or program requirements.
7. If any one tree: does not have the root collar within 1-inch of ground level, has a loosely planted stem, is not the right tree for the site, has a root collar diameter of less than .25 inches, is planted under the canopy, or does not have the tube buried 2-3 inches in the ground, that tree automatically fails.
8. Based on the summarization at the bottom of each column, one can determine if the site passes or fails. Spacing must average and be in compliance with program requirements or project goals or objectives.
9. If the samples indicate that the planting is questionable for making the requirements, take additional plots on additional sheets. If poor planting is suspected, dig up multiple seedlings to check for “J” or “L” rooting and confirm that those issues will influence survival and growth.  All three sections must pass in order for site to meet VDOF standards.  The average spacing must provide adequate density to meet landowner objectives or program requirements in order to pass.  If any column fails, the entire planting site fails.
10. A minimum sample size of 30 plots (one sheet) is required on tracts up to 10 acres and 60 plots are required on all tracts over 10 acres. Rule of Thumb – one tally sheet per 10 acres, unless consistent good planting quality is present.
11. Once the field tally is completed, the total and average trees per acre are to be recorded in IFRIS along with the date and any additional recommendations. Copies of this completed form are to be sent to the county NRCS and FSA offices for their records, and sent to the landowner. The original completed form is to be placed in the tract folder to be used for reference purposes throughout the development of the stand.