Juvenile instability in planted pines.

Abstract

Planted pines often require a number of years to achieve a firm anchorage. In this, they differ from naturally established trees which, at least to begin with, are usually quite stable. This difference is due to the effect of the usual methods of raising and planting forest tree seedlings on root morphology. One way to eliminate this effect is to plant seedlings while they are very young and still retain the capacity to initiate first order lateral roots. Another, is to use planting stock raised in containers coated with a root growth inhibitor to prevent the elongation of lateral roots until after planting. With both methods, planted trees can be obtained having a symmetrical array of primary lateral roots comparable in form and mechanical function to the roots of a naturally established tree.