New Technology Helps Young Trees Take Root in the Angeles

June 5, 2015

In the midst of this ongoing drought, it may seem daunting to plant new seedlings—especially in regions that have been devastated by fire. Fortunately, new technology out of the Netherlands might be the solution to our changing climate and drought-stressed forests.

The water in each reservoir can sustain a seedling for up to nine months.
The water in each reservoir can sustain a seedling for up to nine months.

It’s called the Land Life Cocoon, a product of Land Life Company, and it’s changing the way we’re looking at reforestation in some of the world’s most challenging environments. These biodegradable, earth-friendly tools encourage new tree growth amidst dry climates lacking reliable irrigation.

ForestAid Angeles Manager, Thierry Rivard, creating holes large enough for the Land Life Cocoons.
ForestAid Angeles Manager, Thierry Rivard, creating holes large enough for the Land Life Cocoons.

At planting, the donut shape is filled with water, which will sustain the seedling for six to nine months. From there, a series of wicks source water from the box toward the tree’s roots. The slow nature of wick irrigation encourages the root system to grow at its most vulnerable stage. The seedlings are also provided with a tree shelter which protects them from harsh sunlight.

Each lid is specially designed with a biodegradable “waxy” sheet to help prevent evaporation, even in warm climates.
Each lid is specially designed with a biodegradable “waxy” sheet to help prevent evaporation, even in warm climates.

 

Harrie Lovenstein of Land Life Company (right) explains how these tree shelters allow sunlight in, while protecting the sensitive seedling from harsh U.V. rays.

Healing LA’s local forests has been at the forefront of our mission since our inception so, when Land Life Company approached TreePeople, we were excited for the potential. “Our reforestation efforts in the Angeles have been challenged by the drought,” said ForestAid Angeles Manager, Thierry Rivard. “We’ve had to cancel plantings when the soil was too dry, and plan very extensive tree care programs to try and keep the seedlings alive.”

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In May, we headed to the Angeles in partnership with the Forest Service and a dedicated crew of Volunteer Supervisors and staff. Over two days, we planted 125 new trees in a campground still struggling to sustain new growth after the 2009 Station Fire and our changing climate. We’re hopeful that these Cocoons could be the solution to many of our problems, raising the global survival rate of our plantings.

The seedlings’ growth will be tracked over the summer. This fall, the team will return to the region to plant the next set of 125 trees. We look forward to watching them develop with the hope of seeing success in the Angeles!

Dan McDonnell (left) is a long-term Volunteer Supervisor with TreePeople and the Forest Service .
Dan McDonnell (left) is a long-term Volunteer Supervisor with TreePeople and the Forest Service .

Hungry to get in on the action? Visit our website to discover how YOU can be involved in mountain forestry.

By Erika Abdelatif

Erika Abdelatif is TreePeople’s Social Media and Digital Content Manager. When she isn't creating a climate-resilient LA via the Facebook, she's probably writing in a coffee shop, infesting the internet with memes, or watching an open mic.