Frost Heaving...seedling losses can be reduced

Frost heaving causes serious losses to directseeded white pine. Shading, both during the growing season and during the dormant season, significantly reduces losses. Retaining some portion of the natural plant cover on areas to be direct seeded is recommended to provide shade and reduce frost heaving. During late fall and early spring, exposed soils freeze almost nightly and thaw again the following day. The mechanical lifting and falling of the soil that accompanies this freezing (frost heaving) often kills small plants such as tree seedlings. A recent Forest Service study to evaluate the importance of frost heaving and the effects of shade on seedling mortality indicates that heavy losses from frost heaving can be avoided if some portion of the natural overstories are left to shade direct-seeded sites.

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Author(s): Raymond E. Graber

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 22, Number 4 (1971)

Volume: 22

Number: 4