Gravel Bed Tree Program

A gravel bed is an irrigated bed or pile of gravel to place and safely condition bare root or washed containerized stock for (a .k .a . “heeling in”) up to 3-6 months. Doing this dramatically increases fibrous root volume, decreasing transplant shock and increasing survivability of the plant. Since bare root stock is typically only available during spring, this also allows for staged plantings throughout the year. Gravel beds are not complex and have been used in the nursery trade for decades. It is simply contained hydrated gravel in which bare root trees are temporarily held.  The SWCD currently has 1 gravel tree bed, located in Becker, MN. Trees from this beds are used to increase diversity in Sherburne County communities.