Should You Plant Bareroot or Containerized Loblolly Seedlings?

Reforesting your land after a harvest is one of the most important steps a landowner can take to maintain a healthy and productive forest. But when it comes to planting loblolly pine seedlings, the decision between bareroot and containerized seedlings can feel overwhelming. Both options have their merits, and the right choice depends on your site’s unique conditions and your reforestation goals.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the differences between bareroot and containerized loblolly pine seedlings, how to decide which is right for your property, and why proper site preparation and seedling genetics are critical to your success.

The Basics: Bareroot vs. Containerized Seedlings

Bareroot Seedlings:
Bareroot seedlings are grown in open fields and harvested without soil around their roots. These seedlings are cost-effective, widely available, and perform well under typical conditions during the main planting season (December to March). With proper site preparation and handling, bareroot seedlings boast an average survival rate of 85-90%.

Containerized Seedlings:
Containerized seedlings are grown in small containers with soil intact around their roots. They are more expensive than bareroot seedlings but offer certain advantages. Containerized seedlings can be planted earlier (October/November) and later (into April) in the planting season. They are particularly beneficial in drought-prone areas or sites with challenging soil conditions, where survival rates can exceed 95%.

When to Choose Bareroot Seedlings

Bareroot seedlings are ideal for most reforestation projects. They are cost-effective and provide excellent survival rates when planted during the standard window of December to March. If your site has been properly prepared, including addressing drainage and soil compaction issues, bareroot seedlings will grow just as well as containerized seedlings.

Additionally, bareroot seedlings are particularly well-suited for landowners focused on long-term timber production. After thinning, you’ll typically leave 125-150 crop trees per acre. Given this target, bareroot seedlings provide more than enough survival for most projects, making them the most economical choice.

When to Consider Containerized Seedlings

Containerized seedlings are beneficial for specific situations, such as:

1. Drought-Prone Sites: Containerized seedlings retain their root system’s soil, which can improve survival on dry or sandy soils.

2. Extended Planting Windows: If you want to plant earlier in the season (October/November) or later (April), containerized seedlings are better suited for these timeframes.

3. Challenging Soil Conditions: Sites with poor drainage, heavy clay soils, or compacted ground may benefit from the enhanced root structure of containerized seedlings.

The Role of Site Preparation

It’s crucial to remember that containerized seedlings are not a substitute for proper site preparation. Regardless of which type of seedling you choose, addressing soil conditions is essential.

For example, on wet sites, failing to create raised planting beds can lead to poor aeration and excessive soil moisture, limiting both bareroot and containerized seedling survival. On these sites, investing in proper site preparation will yield far better results than relying solely on the advantages of containerized seedlings.

Why Genetics Matter

While the type of seedling you plant is important, the genetics of the seedlings play an even greater role in determining the productivity, health, and value of your future forest.

Modern genetic advancements have made significant improvements in loblolly pine seedlings. Options range from open-pollinated (OP) second-generation seedlings to advanced Mass Control Pollinated® (MCP) selections. MCP seedlings, for instance, offer higher wood volume, better disease resistance, and improved timber quality, doubling or even tripling the financial return compared to lower-grade genetics.

Spending additional money on high-quality genetics is a long-term investment that far outweighs the cost difference between bareroot and containerized seedlings.

Financial Considerations

While containerized seedlings may achieve higher survival rates, their higher cost often makes them less financially advantageous when bareroot survival exceeds 60%. After thinning, only 120-140 crop trees per acre will remain, meaning the initial higher cost of containerized seedlings may not provide significant long-term value.

Investing in MCP bareroot seedlings instead of containerized seedlings with subpar genetics can generate substantially more revenue by producing higher-quality timber and larger volumes of sawtimber.

Making the Right Decision

Choosing between bareroot and containerized seedlings comes down to understanding your land’s specific needs, your reforestation goals, and your budget. Here’s how to decide:

1. Evaluate Your Site: Consider factors such as soil type, drainage, and susceptibility to drought.
2. Determine Your Planting Window: For planting outside the standard December-to-March window, containerized seedlings may be necessary.
3. Focus on Genetics: Prioritize investing in high-quality genetics to maximize the productivity and profitability of your future forest.

Get Expert Guidance

Deciding between bareroot and containerized loblolly seedlings can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Carolina Forestry, we’re here to help you evaluate your site, assess your goals, and select the best seedling type and genetics for your reforestation project.

Contact us today to get started on your journey toward a healthier, more productive forest. With the right approach, your investment in reforestation will pay dividends for generations to come.