Northern red oak planting stock: 6-year results

A northern red oak plantation was established in 1988 in a recently clearcut mixed oak stand to evaluate outplanting performance relative to type of planting stock (1-0, 2-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-year-old containerized, and direct-seeded) and other cultural factors (undercutting in the nursery, raising stock in an extended growing season in Alabama vs a local Pennsylvania nursery, top-clipping at planting time, and tree shelters). Six years after outplanting, seedlings grown from 2-year-old containerized stock were tallest (averaging 3.3 m) and had excellent survival. Among other treatments, 2-0 bareroot stock, especially if undercut in the nursery and top-clipped at planting, performed best and averaged 3.0 m height and 100% survival. Remaining treatments, especially 1-0, were smaller and had reduced survival. Seedlings from direct-seeding were as tall as most 1-0 treatments. Undercutting, top-clipping, nursery transplanting, raising stock in different nurseries, and tree shelters minimally affected the height or survival of seedlings. Seedlings above average in height 3 years after outplanting when fencing was removed and herbiciding ceased, were most likely to survive after 6 years.