Gravel Bed Tree Planting Series – Five-Year Growth Data

This case study documents 5-year diameter growth data of four different tree species out-planted from a gravel bed in Athens, GA.

Bare-root tree planting can be an effective low-cost alternative for municipal tree planting programs. Growing small trees in gravel beds for less than one year gives them abundant root systems, allowing them to establish quickly after being out-planted. These out-planted trees can also grow quickly. Average five-year diameter (caliper) of ‘Aeryn’ trident maple (Acer buergerianum ‘Aeryn’), eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), ‘Princeton’ American elm (Ulmus americana ‘Princeton’), and ‘Bosque’ Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Bosque’) out-planted from gravel beds in Athens, GA, was 4.8", 3.5", 5.0", and 5.3", respectively, with 0.9" average initial diameter at time of planting. Average annual growth rate over the five-year period was 0.76", 0.52", 0.82", and 0.88" for trident maple, eastern redbud, American elm, and Chinese elm, respectively.

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