More Than 600,000 Tree Seedlings Were Planted In Idaho Forests In 2022, According To Leading Tree Services In Idaho.

Associated Arborists have advised that the Idaho Department of Lands is working hard to achieve a goal of more than 600,000 tree seedlings being planted in the Packer John State Forest. The company advised that the dead timberland is a high risk for wildfires and the Idaho Department of Lands has undertaken a massive task to turn it into a strong forest.

Over the spring more than 600,000 seedlings were planted in over 2000 acres of forest and they are now starting to grow, thanks to the $300,000 grant, which was provided by the Arbor Day Foundation. This beautiful and healthy forest was infested with Douglas-fir tussock moths in 2019, which seriously impacted the health of the forests, especially after years of drought and previous insect damage.

This was a devastating blow to the Idaho Public Schools, which are owners and beneficiaries of the land, using this to fund growth. The forest, which comprised mostly of Douglas-fir was ruined due to the tussock moth infestation. The damaged timber was sold for wood products, making it possible to get value from the trees, while eliminating serious wildfire risk.

All the trees that were damaged were harvested, except the pine and spruce trees, as they were not at risk of the moth. These two species only made up a very small percentage of the trees in the harvested area, which left large open spaces, the perfect place to start a new forest.

A spokesperson for Associated Arborists, said “This is an amazing initiative that has removed the vulnerable trees and replaced them with new trees, which can grow and create a future forest. Of course, it is going to take time for these trees to grow, but they will be strong and be able to withstand disease and insects, things that are natural to this area.”

Thanks to the Arbor Day Foundation, which donated $296,600, more than 600,000 seedlings were purchased, helping restore the forest with a tree species which is better adapted to the area. The seedlings are going to be monitored, focusing on root development and fall bud sets. Next spring they will be surveyed as their first year of survival in the forest. The area will be surveyed after three years to ensure that they have established and identify if any treatments will be necessary.

About Us:
Associated Arborists is an expert tree service company operating in Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana. Established in 1996, they have earned a stellar reputation due to their commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism. Associate Arborists provide tree care year-round for residential and commercial customers. Their ISA-certified arborists are skilled and knowledgeable in the following areas of plant health care, arborist consultations, stump grinding, tree removal, pruning, and trimming. For more about us, please visit our website at https://associatedarborists.com/.