Arbutus Grove Nursery Ltd.

You might be tempted to call this interior (Rocky Mountain) Douglas-fir 412A (10S) Styro seedling ugly with its minimal branching pattern. However, it readily surpasses current morphological requirements with its relatively short height and thick stem resulting in a desirable sturdiness ratio (i.e. height/RCD). It also has a firm plug comprised of vigorous roots, and dark green foliage indicative of nutrient loading. Yes, this seedling may be ugly, but more important is its “fitness for purpose.” That is the concept of defining quality based on outplanting performance rather than nursery performance. The morphological and physiological attributes of this seedling provide the basis for successful establishment and growth following planting on hot, dry sites.   #ArbutusGroveNursery #TreeGrowing #ForestNursery #Seedlings

Every fall our western redcedar (Thuja plicata) seedlings get ready for winter by diligently applying their sunscreen. The foliage turns from green to a reddish-brown colour as a carotenoid pigment called rhodoxanthin is produced and accumulated in the leaves. As photosynthesis decreases during low temperatures resulting in unused light energy, rhodoxanthin absorbs these dangerous photons thus preventing damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. As seen in the photo below, foliage exposed to more sun has the most intense reddish colour.   #ArbutusGroveNursery #TreeGrowing #ForestNursery #Seedlings

Updates on Canada's 2 Billion Tree planting program.

We view growing as a continuous learning experience, thus are fortunate to be able to partner with various Canadian universities on applied seedling research. This summer 4th year University of Victoria biology student Liberty Evans-Agnew worked at the nursery as part of our “Grow Team”. Now back at school, she is conducting a trial for her Honour's thesis on the effect of planting date and photoperiod on the root growth of fall-plant coastal Douglas-fir. Look for her results in a future volume of Tree Planter’s Notes!   #ArbutusGroveNursery #TreeGrowing #ForestNursery #Seedlings

Prior to overwinter storage of our seedlings at -2° C (28.4° F) we ensure that they are at the phenological stage of maximum stress resistance. We do this by not only tracking chilling units, but also physically testing seedling frost hardiness. For interior species, shoots are frozen to -18° C (-0.4° F) after which the level of frost damage is assessed. For over 15 years we have been using chlorophyll fluorescence for frost hardiness assessment, which is much faster and more easily replicated than the visual assessment of frost damage on the shoots of potted seedlings.

Fall planting of hot-lifted 20/615A Styro coastal Douglas-fir has begun in Oregon for some of our customers. With a thick stem (RCD), plentiful branching, vigorous root system, along with an abundant nutrient and carbohydrate supply; these seedlings are well poised for rapid site establishment.

These interior Douglas-fir 420A Styroblock seedlings are designed to get the roots down deep to access moisture on dry sites. With a 20 cm (8 inch) root-plug, there's as much root as shoot. I'm interested to hear the experiences of anyone planting deep plugs like these--to my knowledge, it's a first in British Columbia.

We're grateful for the rain in British Columbia this fall as the coastal fall plant is in full swing. These 412A / 10S coastal Douglas-fir are in prime physiological condition for vigorous root growth once planted.

Not everything that matters can be measured, and not everything that we can measure matters. Although there are certain parameters such as seedling height whose measurement guides crop management. #ArbutusGroveNursery #TreeGrowing #ForestNursery #Seedlings

Our job as growers ends when our seedlings become vigorous free-growing plantations, not when they leave the nursery gate. Everything we do is geared towards growing seedlings with this in mind. For example, this means paying close attention to root:shoot and height:diameter ratios, nutrient concentration, and lifting dates and storage conditions so that seedlings leave the nursery capable of reaching their full potential. Of course, this first involves working closely with our customers to determine the seedling characteristics best suited to overcome their specific reforestation challenges. #ArbutusGroveNursery #TreeGrowing #ForestNursery #Seedlings