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Decades of Innovation

Weyerhaeuser has invested millions of dollars since the late 1960s in world class research and development on seed and seedling production, genetics and reforestation biology and techniques. We set the standard for the industry, and we continue to innovate every day — to the benefit of all our customers.

Genetics Research and Seed Orchard Management

Among the technologies we've implemented at our facilities:

  • Techniques for selection, interbreeding and field testing of several forest tree species, which have successfully increased growth rate by 10 to 20 percent or more while maintaining adaptability and wood quality, and improving stem form.
  • Techniques to screen potential seed parents for coastal stem defect traits and directing planting to reduce the expression of defects.
  • Regimes for management of these species in seed orchards to produce consistent seed crops with steady yields of high-gain seed, free of cold and insect damage and contamination from low-gain pollen.
  • Exhaustive research to develop guidelines for deployment of improved seed based on parent origin, seedlot genetic diversity and planting environment.

Field Survival and Growth Improvement

  • Nursery transplant regimes that yield stocky, well-branched plants with thick root systems and excellent root-shoot balance
  • Lateral pruning and wrenching of root systems during the growing season to produce thick, root systems with high growth potential after planting
  • 'Soft plug' technology for container root systems that explode in growth after planting
  • Monitoring and treatment regimes to prevent seedling root disease, promote seedling cold hardiness, and minimize stress and shock from handling
  • Optimum timing of lifting, storage duration and environmental control, to maintain seedling dormancy for vigorous root and top growth
  • Freezer storage techniques that enable holding of seedlings for two months or more from lifting to planting
  • Learn more about our unique Root and Shoot Culturing system that delivers hardy seedlings with the highest possible growth potential in the field.