A Review of the “Pull-up” and “Leave-down” Methods of Planting Loblolly Pine

Two schools of thought exist regarding the planting of bare-root seedlings. One school favors the “pull-up” method where the seedling is pulled-up 3 to 10 cm after placing the roots in the planting hole. Although this action purportedly straightens the taproot, data are lacking to show this extra step actually improves field performance. Pulling the seedling up usually results in the root-collar 5 cm or less below the groundline (which could increase mortality on some sites). The “leave-down” school advocates making a deep planting hole, placing the roots near the bottom of the hole and no “pull-up.” The “leave-down” technique results in planting the rootcollar 3 to 10 cm deeper than the “pull-up” technique. Those from the “leave-down” school say that shallow holes kill seedlings; bent roots do not. Planting guidelines should be rewritten to: (1) emphasize the “proper” depth of planting to increase seedling survival; (2) de-emphasize intuitive beliefs that tap-roots and lateral roots must be oriented downward after planting; (3) not recommend unnecessary refinements in planting technique; (4) explain the advantages of machine planting; (5) explain the species/site/planting depth interaction for survival; and (6) cite references to support recommendations. Tree Planters’ Notes xx:xxxxx