The late winter, early spring reforestation season is about to begin. If you are going to be planting trees this year, here are some things to think about to ensure first time reforestation success. Replanting is expensive.

• Scope the site out for limiting factors such as grass, brush, deer, elk, porcupines, meadow mice and root disease, control grass, shrubs and damaging animals as needed before and after planting.
• Order seedlings of appropriate species and seed source, especially important if root disease exists on site; keep them cool and moist until in the ground.
• Assemble planting equipment or planting crew.
• Make sure seedlings are handled, stored and planted properly. If using a crew, provide clear expectations for proper planting and inspect planted seedlings.
• Take a wintertime fitness class (if you are planting your own seedlings)

If you want more information on any of these steps, several very good WSU and OSU Extension publications provide more detail on planting seedlings.

On-line descriptions can be obtained from: http://pubs.wsu.edu or http://eesc.orst. edu/agcomwebfile/EdMat/edmatindexfor.html.

Or contact Publication Orders, OSU, 422 Kerr Administration, Corvallis, OR 97331-2119, or call the WSU Bulletin office at 1-800-723-1763.

Information is also available from your nearby cooperative extension office and from Washington Department of Natural Resources and Oregon Department of Forestry foresters.

Editor's Note: Ole Helgerson is an Area Forester with WSU Cooperative Extension in Stevenson, WA. He can be reached at helgerso@wsu.edu or 509-427-9427.