United States Department of Agriculture
Technology & Development Program
Forest Service

2400- Timber
June 1996
9624-2811-MTDC
Excerpt: Arbortec		 Mulch Mat Materials
for Improved
Tree Establishment
 
We did two field tests on Missoula District as part of a national
"Mulch for Seedlings" project initiated by the Wash. Office.

The site selected for the test was as tough as we plant in the Region.
What we were looking for primarily was a boost in survival. Once trees are established on these types of sites, growth rates are often slow initially (five or six years) but as trees get their root systems established, growth rates increase considerably.

Objectives of this test were:
1. To assess mulches at installation
2. To determine if the mats remain intact and in place under field conditions
3. To determine if the mats control weeds
4. To determine if the mulches benefit survival and development of planted seedlings.
5. To assess the ability of stakes to keep the mat in place.

Prior to picking the mulches for the tests a profile was developed for the ideal mulch.
Prior to picking the mulches for the tests a profile was developed for the ideal mulch.
1. It would be opaque to prevent weed growth under the mulch
2. It would be dark for temperatures hot enough to kill germinates and sprouts that emerge under the mulch
3. It would be porous enough to allow water to infiltrate evenly but still retard water loss.
4. It would have thermal characteristics to maintain a favorable soil, temperature regime and have the strength and durability to last until the seedling was established and growing well.
5. It would not tear at holddown pins.
6. It would be inexpensive and lightweight for easy transport and fast installation.
7. It would be folded so it would fit easily into tree planting bags.
8. It's color would blend easily in the landscape.
9. It would not be toxic or give toxic substances.

Both of the tests were done at Plant Creek which is located 15 miles Southeast of Missoula. This is a South aspect with pine grass and low shrubs such as ninebark and snowberry. The first test consisted of 370,
2-0 bareroot Ponderosa Pine seedlings that were planted and mulched on April, '92. Thirty Five (35) different 24" x 24" mulch mats were tested. We used 24" square pads instead of the 36" called for in the study. We felt mulch larger than 24" was impractical as we rarely have scalp sizes larger than 24".

The second test was planted and mulched on 04/93. This test consisted of 11 different mulch types with a total of 270 trees tested. Mats used for this test were the most promising and practical from the first group. They were vertically porous, hear absorbent material, dark, had a three year minimum durability, cheap, proven to enhance survival and growth.

All mats were staked with 6x6x1" sod staples w/ a tongue depressor between the staples and the mat.

We found one mat to be superior in these tests. This was apparent in our 95 walk through exam of test #2 and our measured data from the previous year.

This is the Arbortec Brush Blanket®. A perforated, translucent green plastic mat that allows infrared light through.
1. Easy to carry. Light and will fit in planting bags. Hip Carrier designed so mats pull out like garbage bags. Can install 500-700 a day.
2. Durable on this particular site.
3. Trees had superior survival and good growth.
4. Cheap. Approx. .38 cents for mat & 5 staples.

At this point we leave the text as it addresses the short comings of the staples that were used in the study. Needless to say, we didn't supply the staples as ours already address all the concerns expressed in the text.