Planting trees 209
Growing trees in a nursery
Tree nurseries give trees a healthy start before they are transplanted to other
places. But creating and caring for a nursery can be a lot of work. It makes
sense to grow trees in a nursery when:
• The seeds or cuttings of the trees you want to plant are scarce.
• Pests would damage the young trees if they were not protected.
• People have enough time to take care of the nursery.
Planting trees directly is easier than growing them first in a nursery and
transplanting them. However, many more tree seedlings die using the direct
method than when you grow them in a nursery.
When to start trees
The time of year you plant will depend on how long the trees need to be in the
nursery. If your area has a wet and a dry season, plant your trees just as the
wet season starts so you will not have to water them as much. Most trees need
3 to 4 months in the nursery before they are big enough to plant outside.
Where to put a tree nursery
A nursery should be easy to get to and available for as
long as it takes for tree seedlings to grow
and be transplanted. It should also be
accessible to everyone who will
work there. Every nursery
needs these things:
A water source and a
way to store water
Safe tool storage
A place where soil can be
mixed and containers filled
Protection from too much
sun, rain, and wind
A fence to keep out large
animals and vandals
Space for all the seedlings
Level ground or
terraces if on a hillside
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012