Georgia deer hunters have become food-plot specialists in recent years in attempts to both improve the health of the local deer and enhance their hunting opportunities. There has also been an increased interest in recent years in planting trees to benefit deer and turkeys. Oaks, apples, persimmons and crabapples are but a few of the trees sportsmen are planting this time of year to benefit the wildlife on their property down the road.

February is prime time to plant trees, particularly bare-root seedlings, and many clubs will be planting trees this month. Just as with preparing and planting a food plot, trees will respond best when planted properly. We spoke with Jeff Fields, nursery coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) at the Flint River Nursery, for information on the proper planting and care of a young tree. The GFC offers a variety of pine trees and popular hardwood trees as bare-root seedlings.

Planting a high-quality seedling is your first step toward growing a healthy tree. "We look for five or more first-order lateral roots on a seedling," said Jeff. "These are good-sized roots growing perpendicular to the tap root."... Read Full Article

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