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native to riparian habitats need a high water table, periodic winter flooding, and fertile <br /> soils. These conditions are met along the edge of the slough, the lake, and the various <br /> riparian inlets into the upland habitats. The upper,drier limit of valley oak establishment <br /> areas will be determined by field testing and this information will be used to assess the <br /> potential for future planting. <br /> Oak Planting Techniques <br /> r <br /> A number of techniques are commonly used for planting oaks. These include growing <br /> trees from acorns on site, transplanting larger sapling oaks, and contract growing of larger <br /> oaks from acorns collected in the vicinity of the Ranch. While it is preferable to grow trees <br /> from seeds or small saplings, there may be situations where larger sized individuals may be <br /> desirable. <br /> Trees can be grown from acorns collected on-site. Trees grown from acorns will take <br /> several years to reach the 5 to 15-gallon "instant" tree that is often preferred in landscaping <br /> settings. Larger trees can be planted with existing trees on site with a tree spade. Trees <br /> should be transplanted during the cool season to insure greater survival rates. <br /> Direct seeding with protection is a technique that was developed by researchers at the <br /> Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of California, Davis. This <br /> technique has been used widely and successfully for oaks (including the oak and buckeye <br /> pilot project at the ranch). The technique is illustrated in Figure 12 and involves planting <br /> seeds in a prepared hole, shading the seeds with screen,Tubex or other material, and use <br /> of mulch and/or weed suppression materials around the seed spot. Reseeding will be <br /> required at each seed spot if any of the initial seedings fail to produce successful seedings. <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 176 <br />