Using a Tree Planting Machine

[8N_John]

I am planning on pulling a tree planter behind my 8N next weekend to plant 6000 seedlings. Anyone ever used a tree planter with an 8N? Any problems pulling it? Any advice?

 

[PBinWA]

Post pictures! I'd love to see one in action.

 

[Dargo]

I've never seen one. I'm currently in the process of planting 5000 trees with a post hole digger. I'm using a 12" auger to drill the holes. It is very time consuming and hard work. I highly recommend it for those wanting a sore back, sore fingers and sore knees. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Maine_Polack]

Been a long time, but have planted thousands of seedlings riding on a tractor pull behind planter. Does a good job. Tractor operator should be sober, so as to keep a straight line when planting. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Also have planted thousands- ouch, my, ouch, back-by hand. I used a "mattock". Used the end that is approx. 3+ inches wide. Slam it in the ground. Pull back, so as to make a hole in the sod. Insert seedling. Step on it HARD! I found it is not too bad to carry seedlings in a over the shoulder bag, such as newspaper delivery boys used. Also, perhaps an old mail bag.I think you would find this much faster and easier than an auger.

Had good survival rate, using both methods. Key is to try to make sure roots get in contact with soil.

If an extra person is available, have them walk behind the planter and step along side of the seedlings, to help make this contact with the soil. This is nice, but as long as the planter is working properly, not absolutely necessary.

Then you are at the mercy of the weather. A wet summer is a plus.

 

[beenthere]

I too, planted thousands of trees with a planter machine behind an 8N back in the middle 60's (I should go back and look at those trees now). That was a machine sized for the 8N which may be different from the machine you are talking about, so it may be a different story.

 

[gabby]

I've rented one several times from the state forestry office but it's too big for an 8N. Sticks out a long way in the back, and the planter guy is sitting way out there on the back of it. Pretty big load to pick up. I used my 4600 Ford, 50 hp. Some pros subsoil the rows first. This helps the trees get a fast start because the subsoiler breaks the ground deeper than a planter.
gabby