Results of Field Trial – Plantskydd® Efficacy

Results of Forest Industry field trials show Plantskydd® is VERY effective!

As previously discussed in our telephone conversations we have noted a dramatic improvement in seedling survival when Plantskydd® is applied at the time of planting.

As you know we have an extremely high deer population here on the Queen Charlotte Islands. This has created a very challenging situation when it comes time for us to establish conifer plantations. Red cedar and Cypress are browsed very heavily. We have found the most cost-effective way of establishing these two species is with mechanical browse protectors. However, for other species (primarily western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce) Plantskydd® has proven to be extremely effective.

In the spring of 1997 we established a field trial where western hemlock and Sitka Spruce were planted. Some were treated with Plantskydd® and others were not. The trees were staked and numbered to allow re-measurement. In August of 1998 the trees were re-measured. The results were dramatic – see summary below.

It is my opinion that the main cause of mortality for the untreated trees occurs during the first few weeks after planting when the deer can pull the tree out of the ground. By treating with Plantskydd® the trees are able to establish root systems that prevent the deer from pulling them out.

Yours Sincerely
Brian Saunders, RPF
Area Forester
Weyerhaeuser