Field Research Insights: Tree Planting with Stichting Het Zuid-Hollands Landschap

Leaf.it
Mar 15
3 min read

Updated: Apr 1

Thourghout the past two week, we had the privilege of participating in a tree planting initiative organized by Stichting Het Zuid-Hollands Landschap at Staelduinse Bos. Alongside other volunteers, we planted around 700 trees in just two and a half hours, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insights into the challenges and considerations involved in reforestation efforts. As a company dedicated to seedling protection, this experience provided us with key learnings that will shape the development of our products. Let’s dive into these insights now!

Key insights for seedling protection:

Adaptability is essential: The wide range of tree species and varying stem diameters mean that a single design will not suffice. A flexible approach is needed to accommodate different tree types.
Environmental factors must be considered: Soil conditions, leaf cover, and seasonal changes all influence the effectiveness of protection solutions.
Ease of application is crucial: Products must be quick and simple to install so as not to slow down the planting process.
Rethinking hydration management: Ensuring that protection systems do not inadvertently trap water and cause freezing issues is essential for winter resilience.

Tree Planting Density and Growth

One of the most striking aspects of the planting process was the density in which trees were planted: approximately one meter apart. The rationale behind this turned out to be twofold: first, more than half of the young trees will not survive, and second, trees benefit from being in close proximity, as they push each other to grow stronger and more resilient. This insight underlines the importance of fostering natural competition while accounting for inevitable seedling loss, which we hope to later address with our product.

Minimal Hydration and Animal Interference Issues

Unlike in many forests across contintal Europe, the seedlings at Staelduinse Bos do not face significant hydration challenges, nor are they heavily impacted by wildlife. The local environment provides sufficient moisture, reducing the need for artificial hydration solutions. Similarly, animal interference is not a major concern, meaning protective measures against herbivores are not as crucial in this particular setting. However, conditions may differ in other locations, reinforcing the need for adaptable protection solutions.

Use of Seedling Protection in Forest Management

Interestingly, Stichting Het Zuid-Hollands Landschap does employ a tree seedling protection product: a cylindrical barrier placed around the stem. However, its primary function is not to shield against external threats but rather to make seedlings visible when clearing overgrown bushes in the forest. This underscores a unique and unexpected use case for protective measures, one that is more about identification and management than defense against environmental threats.

Age and Variability of Seedlings

The seedlings planted were between two to three years old, which was noted as relatively young for planting efforts. Additionally, a variety of tree species were planted, some with thin stems and others with considerably thicker bases. This diversity presents a challenge for seedling protection products like ours, as a “one-size-fits-all” solution is unlikely to be effective. Adaptability in size and structure will therefore be crucial when further designing our protective solutions.

Soil Variability and Ground Conditions

Even within the same planting site, soil conditions varied significantly. Some areas were solid and compact, while others were moist and sandy. The ground was also uneven and covered with leaves, which could pose issues when using protective products that rely on stable ground anchoring. Additionally, leaf cover could potentially block filtration systems features. Understanding these natural variations is key for developing products suited for diverse planting environments.

Efficiency of Planting

For experienced volunteers, planting each tree took approximately one minute or less. This efficiency highlights the need for protection solutions that do not significantly slow down the planting process. Any additional steps, such as affixing protection devices, must be seamlessly integrated into the workflow to ensure practical application in large-scale projects.

Seasonal Considerations

One of the potential drawbacks of using protective plates is the issue of water accumulation and freezing during winter. If water is trapped inside protective barriers, it could freeze and block hydration channels, ultimately harming the seedlings rather than aiding their survival. This is a critical consideration that must be addressed in future product designs to ensure year-round effectiveness.

As we refine our product, we will incorporate these insights to create solutions that truly support the needs of reforestation initiatives. Our experience at Staelduinse Bos has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing our research and innovation in seedling protection.

Stay tuned for further updates as we develop and test improved solutions to enhance the success of tree planting projects worldwide!