Step by Step: Tree Planting

Click on thumbnail to see larger picture.

Seed Orchard, which supplies genetically improved seed.Nursery: Seed Orchard, which supplies genetically improved seed.




Seedlings being lifted in state nurseries.Nursery: Seedlings being lifted in state nurseries.




Special equipment undercuts the seedling bed and lifts seedlings.Nursery: Special equipment undercuts the seedling bed and lifts seedlings.




Seedlings are bundled.Nursery: Seedlings are bundled.




Seedlings transported to cold storage.Nursery: Seedlings transported to cold storage.




Seedlings are taken to grading room.Nursery: Seedlings are taken to the grading room.




Seedlings are counted into groups of 10 and undersized seedlings discarded.Nursery: Seedlings are counted into groups of 10; undersized seedlings are discarded.




Seedlings grouped in bundles of 50 and roots are pruned to 5 inches for ease of planting.Nursery: Seedlings are grouped in bundles of 50, and the roots are pruned to 5 inches for ease of planting.




Seedlings dipped in kaolin clay to help keep roots from drying out.Nursery: Seedling roots are dipped in kaolin clay to help keep them from drying out.




Seedlings wrapped in absorbent and waterproof paper then banded to keep in moisture.Nursery: Seedlings wrapped in absorbent and waterproof paper then banded to keep in moisture.




Bundles placed in boxes, which are placed in cold storage until needed.Nursery: Bundles placed in boxes, and moved to cold storage until needed.




Pine seedlings are planted where timber is harvested.Planting: Pine seedlings are planted where timber has been harvested.




Seedlings delivered to planting site.Planting: Seedlings are delivered to the planting site.




Hole is made with planting bar or hodad.Planting: A planting bar or "hodad" makes the hole for the seedling.




Seedling is placed in hole.Planting: Seedling is placed in hole.




Bar is used to close planting hole to remove any air pockets.Planting: The planting bar is used to close the planting hole, removing any air pockets in the process.




Foresters or Crew Foremen check planting quality.Foresters or Crew Foremen check planting quality.




Plots are taken to determine if correct number of trees are planted.Planting Quality: Plots of the area are taken to determine if the correct number of trees per acre were planted.




Some seedlings are dug to see if the roots are at least 6 inches deep and straight.Planting Quality: Some seedlings are dug up to see if the roots are at least 6 inches deep and straight.




A seedling eaten by a rabbit.A planted seedling eaten by a rabbit.




Forestry in My County
Learn more about the county where you live.

Forestry Consultants
Find a forestry consultant in Virginia.

Logging Notification
Loggers must notify us of their timber harvests.

Urban and Community Forestry
Do you live in a suburb? Learn how trees benefit cities and towns.

Rain Gardens
These man-made depressions in the ground collect water runoff and store it, so it can be filtered and slowly absorbed by the soil.

In our Web Store...

Native Trees of Virginia
The most common native tree species found in Virginia's forests are described in this handsome 120-page book.The most common native tree species found in Virginia's forests are described with images of leaves, twigs, flowers and/or fruit to aid in identification.

Purchase your copy online through our Web Store or pay by check when you order by mail.