Root Pruning Loblolly Pine Seedlings Effect on Survival and Growth

In a three year study, IOOderate and severe root pruning just before planting was compared to no root pruning, on two size classes of seedlings (smaller and larger than average). Seedlings were bar planted in holes the full depth of the planting bar blade. For the smaller seedlings, survival was 1.0 percentage point higher for moderate pruning and 5.6 points lower for severe pruning compared to unpruned seedlings. For the larger seedlings, survival was 3.8 points lower for moderate pruning and 7.9 points lower for severe pruning compared to unpruned seedlings. Shallow planting of severely pruned seedlings was also tested in the third year of the study and, compared to deep planting, shallow planting greatly reduced survival. Root pruning had litrle effect on the growth of surviving seedlings.