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Volunteer Growers Help - Growth stages and what needs doing
Just showing through> Double Sets of Leaves> Transplanting> Multiple Leaves>  - ROOT PRUNING and THINNING - Mature seedlings>

 Eventually the trees need to be planted out. Roots growing through the bottom of the tube will be damaged at planting time; it is  a severe shock to the plants to  loose large amounts of root growth.  We need to trim them back periodically early in their life. This can  be achieved by firmly rubbing your hand across the bottom of the tube.  Then thin the seedlings out  by pulling the excess out (assuming you have no other species for that landowner with empty tubes and you have checked with your area co-ordinator).
This specimen needs some attention First remove the roots, pull them off Then pluck out or cut off the excess seedlings to thin
Before Root Pruning Roots Off Thinned

After you put the tubes back into their boxes check the roots at least once a month. It is also a good chance to have an individual look at each plant.

Aerial Pruning - 
For extended protection to deter your seedlings from growing excess roots out of the bottom of the tubes you may also be able to use Aerial Pruning where the tubes are suspended with their bottoms exposed to the air - this does increase the risk of the tubes drying out so if you use this method you will still need to monitor their progress.
Aerial Pruning


Checking for roots growing out of the tubes is something that needs to be done every month or so, and especially before the seedlings are handed over to the landowner.
 
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If you have any questions that are not answered,  situations that are not covered or suggested photos to add, please contact the office ph (03) 9650 9477 or email info@treeproject.asn.au Modified August 2006