Conservation & Restoration

Establishing successful tree plantings is challenging in difficult and stressful growing conditions. RPM enhances on-the-ground conservation and restoration efforts by providing trees that have been shown to have a much greater survival rate than traditional bare root seedlings.

As a result, far fewer trees need to be planted per acre to achieve your restoration goals. We typically recommend planting 50-60 trees per acre, compared to 600 and up for bare root seedlings.

Lower density, coupled with average survival rates of 93-97%, means far less management of your plantation and significant cost savings. 

Enhancing Biodiversity

As an RPM plantation matures, the accelerated growth rate of our trees will bring the plant to maturity sooner. In numerous field trials, RPM trees have shown flower and seed production far sooner than traditionally grown trees, in some cases as quickly as 2 growing seasons for bur oak. Far from a sign of plant stress, the early flower and seed production reflects the shortened juvenile period of an RPM tree, and the strong development of the tree's root system.

The net effect is a jumpstart of the natural regeneration cycle. Seeds and flowers attract insects and wildlife, which further distribute the new seed bank of your target species. Biodiversity rapidly builds, and a healthy ecosystem is born in dramatically less time than using traditional planting methodologies.

Case Study: Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Montezuma is situated in New York state, in the middle of one of the most active flight lanes in the Atlantic Flyway. The refuge covers over 2,800 hectares, and works with landowners to restore underutilized farmland to provide critical habitat for wildlife species.

In 2007, RPM Ecosystems planted a variety of hardwood species on recently reclaimed land that was overgrown with dense brush and weed competition. The land was cleared, and RPM trees were planted with 1 metre wide biodegradable weed mats. No other management of the site has been done since the time of planting.

Two years later, we have measured a 96% survival rate on the site. Despite continuing heavy competition, RPM trees have shown 30-50cm growth over both growing seasons.