Pennsylvania Gas Well Reclamation Photos by Arlyn Perkey
These are photos of a Plantra tree tube application at a natural gas well reclamation site (Perkey # 1) near Rutan, Greene County, PA. On March 20, 2008, forty planting sites were grubbed and a hole was prepared with a planting shovel. To enhance survival on this harsh site, each hole was filled with about 2 gallons of topsoil.
On May 19, 2008, a circle about 3 feet in radius around the stake received a foliar application of a 1/2 percent solution of glyphosate to reduce future within shelter competition.
On May 24, 2008, a brush cutter (weed wacker) was used to cut the grass and sweet clover to prepare for the installation of weed mats. Two pin oak acorns were planted about 2 inches deep in the topsoil and 4' high Plantra tree shelters were installed.
A 5/4" by 5/4", 4.5 ft. high, untreated low-grade black walnut stake was driven into the ground about 1 foot.
Weed mats were secured using wire staples. In the reclaimed soil, it was difficult getting the mats properly stapled because abundant rocks thwarted penetration. Staples were shifted, searching for a better spot. Even so, probably only half of the 5 staples/mat are completely into the ground.
Indeed, there are rocks on this reclamation site.
This is a properly installed O-type, 4'- Plantra tree shelter securely supported by a decay resistant stake. Weed control is enhanced with a weed mat.
Pin oak acorn planting sites were inserted among previously planted Norway spruce seedlings (on well drained micro-sites). Pin oak is better adapted to the poorly drained micro-sites where Norway spruce will not survive and grow well.
At the end of the second growing season in October of 2009, seedling survival was 80%, 32/40 seedlings. Their heights range from 1 to 4 feet. This 2-foot tall seedling has healthy foliage and should be well positioned for the third growing season.
