Five Tips for Successful Forest Planting with Arevo arGrow

Planting new seedlings is crucial for long-term and sustainable forest management. However, the process is often both time-consuming and labor-intensive. By employing the right method, you can achieve rapid establishment and cultivate healthy seedlings with robust growth.

Arevo arGrow is utilized in planting forest seedlings to speed up establishment and produce more vigorous plants with enhanced growth over time. The active ingredient, the amino acid arginine, stimulates root development, enhances nutrient uptake, and boosts resistance to stress factors like drought. As a result, seedlings establish better and grow more robustly.

Here are five concrete steps to cultivate a forest that establishes well with robust seedlings, based on research and practical forestry experience.

1. Plant in mineral soil

Why?
Seedlings need the right conditions from the start. An effective method is to plant the seedling in mineral soil. Here, the roots have access to moisture without competing as much with other vegetation. Additionally, mineral soil offers better protection against pine weevils. Although mineral soil tends to be less nutrient-rich compared to peat, this can be offset by using arGrow, which supplies essential nutrients at the time of planting. Selecting a higher planting point is also advisable.

Timo Leirimaa, an experienced forest owner, has tried arGrow for many years.

Timo Leirimaa says:
- There was a significant difference in growth already the first summer. arGrow-treated plants were visibly greener and bushier, and the stems were noticeably thicker than the control plants.

Tips:

• Choose a high planting spot.
• Avoid grass-rich or dense areas where competition for nutrients is high.
• Plan for soil preparation that exposes the mineral soil.

2. Add the right type of nutrients

Why?
Nutrients at planting help the plant form a strong root system quickly. But it’s important to choose the right kind of nutrition. Studies show that plants prefer amino acids over traditional fertilizers. arGrow contains the amino acid arginine, which stimulates the formation of fine roots and makes the plant more resilient to stress such as drought. Additionally, the nitrogen in arGrow does not leak into the environment, meaning more nutrients go to the plant and less waste. It also requires very small amounts compared to traditional fertilization.

Metsuritrio, a group of young forestry professionals from Finland, tested Arevo arGrow for the first time in 2024.

Metsuritrio says:
- Our father said he had read articles about the product and that it seemed promising. With his encouragement, we decided to give it a try, says Anna Hautaviita.

Tips:

• Place arGrow as close to the roots as possible.
• One bottle is enough for about 450 plants. For fertile soil or larger bare-root seedlings, a double dose is recommended.

3. Start planting as soon as possible

Why?
Many people wait several years after harvesting before planting. However, by planting in mineral soil and directly adding nutrients, you can begin immediately after soil preparation, without waiting for regeneration time. This approach reduces the risk of pine weevil, minimizes competition from other vegetation, and gives the seedlings a strong start. Adding nutrients at planting eliminates the need to wait for nutrients to be naturally released from the harvested area.

Metsuritrio says:
- The plants that were planted with arGrow in the spring already looked stronger and more robust by September.

Timo Leirimaa explains:
- After the first growing season, the root system has become more robust. The plants treated with arGrow have continued to grow stronger year after year compared to the control plants.

Tips:

• Plant soon after harvesting and soil preparation.
• Prepare the ground early to shorten the rotation period.
• If you have a short planting window, arGrow can help the plants establish faster.

4. Use the right tools

Why?
Using the right equipment speeds up the work and ensures each plant receives the correct amount of nutrients. For larger areas, planting tubes with built-in dispensers are recommended as they offer efficient and precise dosing. For smaller areas or bare-root seedlings, a hand dispenser can be utilized.

Metsuritrio emphasizes the importance of simplicity when planting forests: 
- We tested at home to ensure the granules dispensed properly from the bottle. After that, it was simply a matter of placing the plants in the bag and proceeding!

Tips:

• Use planting tubes with pre-installed dispensers for larger areas.
• For smaller areas (1–5 hectares), a hand dispenser can be a convenient option.

5. Monitor progress and plan for the long term

Why?
Planting forests is a long-term investment. Utilizing arGrow during planting enhances the likelihood of seedlings surviving and thriving, thereby reducing the need for additional planting and yielding higher returns over time.

Timo Leirimaa has a long-term perspective:
- Many forest owners invest only the absolute minimum in replanting, but this results in long-term losses. If you want to be among the winners, it’s worth investing a bit more in planting to achieve better results and lower costs later.

Tips for monitoring progress:

• Year 1–2: Count surviving plants and check root growth.
• Year 2–3: Measure stem base diameter and estimate biomass growth.
• From Year 3: Follow up on volume growth in the stand.

Summary: 5 simple steps for succesful planting

1.    Plant in mineral soil – provides good establishment and protection against pine weevil.
2.    Use the right nutrients – arGrow provides more robust plants with better root systems.
3.    Plant early – immediately after harvesting for faster establishment and shorter rotation time.
4.    Choose the right tools – for precise dosing and efficient work.
5.    Monitor your progress – start by evaluating survival and root systems, then follow up with biomass and volume as the plants grow.

By planning for a well-executed regeneration, you give your plants the best possible start and lay the foundation for a healthy and growing forest.

Want to learn more about arGrow and how you can optimize planting in your forest?  Contact Arevo – we can help with advice on dosing, tools, and more information about the research behind the product.