Planters Planting Seedling Oaks/Methods for digging the holes for planting

[TripleR]

This is how we did ours and once you get use to it, it goes pretty quickly: Planting a Seedling - YouTube

 

[PILOON]

I built something similar.

James K0UA

So did I!
I used a truck axle and essentially made a heavy duty clamp on spike just like clamp on forks that are sold.
I made it about 18" long and it sure does the trick. Pops out any stones and basically makes a hand shovel real easy to use.
Made it to trench a row of cedars in real tough hard pan that had lots imbedded stones.

 

[Djames55]

Buy a used PHD dig all the holes at one time. That way you never get off the tractor. Then go back and set the trees. Then when finished you can sale the PHD for what you paid or keep it for other uses.

 

[Botabill]

I own a very good post hole augur that I use with my excavator to dig post holes and holes for larger trees as part of my business. I wouldn't use it to plant tree seedling for many reasons. Time and survivability of the seedlings are the two most important. The dibble or shovel using a V cut can't be beat for efficiency, economy and survivability. Regardless of how you plant the trees after planting you should protect and baby them for a few years to ensure they live.

 

[1bush2hog]

Purchase a good dibble. You can find them at Forestry Supply. I've planted 1400 bare root seedlings on my property and the dibble is by far the easiest and fastest if you don't plan on planting straight rows. Study the proper technique to use them or send me a pm and I can send you some info if you need it

 

[Zig]

I appreciate all the info from everyone. I have decided that I will probably use the shovel or the dibble this year. I have about 200 trees and bushes to put in and will use weed mats and tree tubes to aid in the surviability. We have actually received some decent moisture so far this spring with some more predicted for the weekend so I am hoping that it will make the digging a little easier for me versus last year.