Seedlings are also top pruned to give a uniform seedling size and stem caliper. After less than 8 months in the ground, seedlings are lifted for outplanting. Here are seedlings that are being removed from the ground and the soil shaken from the root systems. Seedlings are then packed for storage or sent to the field for planting. Once out of the nursery seedlings are subjected to all sorts of stresses.
Proper planting is essential for seedling survival.