NMVFO and Tree New Mexico volunteers and USFS staff planted 500 pine and douglas fir seedlings in a burn area near Red Canyon Campground in the Manzanos.
This was the first time several of us got a chance to plant conifer seedlings, and we were eager to learn. A dibble tool makes a wedge shaped hole in the ground, which is a good fit for the conical root ball of the seedling. Often we will try to locate the seedling near a stump or log for extra protection.
Fill the hole with dirt, taking care to remove all air pockets, which would damage the roots.
Then we add a plastic cover to protect from deer and weather, which will be removed in about 2 years.
