Planting a Bald Cypress

We will have two bald cypress trees to plant on Friday. The planting of each tree should be a relatively easy task, and the students should have no trouble taking the lead. Each seedling will be housed in a plastic pot/container. To begin to plant the seedlings, we will need to dig holes approximately the same size of the containers in which the seedlings are housed. After doing so, the seedlings can easily be placed into the ground by hand.

According to research, the cypress root collar should be right at or just below the root surface. The roots need to be able to spread out naturally, without twisting or bending. If the soil is wet, the seedling should be held at the root collar and pushed into the ground until the planter's hand reaches the soil. From what I read, containerized seedlings can be successfully planted at any time of year and under most conditions. Ideally, the seedlings should be planted when soil is moist or slightly flooded; they can be planted directly into water.

Finally, an article from the University of Florida mentioned some pitfalls to avoid when planting the seedlings. These included: planting the seedling in a non-vertical position, digging a hole too shallow for proper root placement, or leaving an air pocket near the roots after closing the hole.