Establishing northern red oak on a degraded upland site in northeastern Pennsylvania: Influence of seedling pedigree and quality

Enrichment plantings using large oak seedlings of regional sources may promote superior survival and growth compared to direct seeding or standard nursery seedling material. This study evaluated the survival and growth of planted 1-0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings among 11 families and 3 seedling size classes (small, average, and premium). Seedlings were planted in April 2005 in a deer exclosure in a failed clearcut in Pike County, PA. After 7 years, survival averaged 84 percent and was greater in the premium than either the small or average size classes in 2 of the 11 families. Total height and ground-level diameter of premium seedlings were greater in five and eight of the families, respectively, than seedlings in either the average or small size classes. Results suggest that selecting premium seedlings from certain mother trees can improve planted seedling survival and growth and have ramifications for seed orchard construction.