Stratified seeds and cell-grown trees.

We spent considerable time researching the tree and hedgerow species we wanted to grow and supply, with a major emphasis on natives to support the type of projects we want to support. Once confirmed, we placed our first order with a supplier based in Shropshire. We decided to purchase seeds that had already undergone stratification and were ready for sowing. Tree seeds must undergo stratification, a process that replicates what happens naturally when seeds fall to the ground, are carried by the wind, or are dispersed by animals such as squirrels or birds.

Many tree species evolved in temperate climates where seeds fall in autumn. If they were to germinate immediately, they would face the harsh winter and likely die. Stratification - the process of exposure to cold and moist conditions - signals to the seed that it is safe to begin germination once spring arrives and temperatures rise. Inside each seed, chemical inhibitors such as abscisic acid keep it dormant. Cold, moisture, and sometimes changes in light gradually break down these inhibitors and trigger enzymes that initiate germination and break dormancy. Some seeds, such as hazels, have tough coats that require cycles of freezing, thawing, and moisture before the embryo to break through. Stratification simply replicates what would happen naturally on the forest floor - months of cold, damp leaf litter followed by the warmth of spring.

We received our stratified seeds at different times because not all seeds break dormancy at the same rate. Some, such as holly and hawthorn, must pass through double dormancy cycles - first morphological, then physiological before they will germinate.

As soon as we received the seeds, we transplanted them into tree cell trays for several reasons:

1. Stronger, healthier roots - Tree cells are tall and narrow encouraging a deep, straight taproot rather than spreading, shallow roots. Many designs have air-pruning holes at the bottom so when the taproot reaches the air, it stops growing downward and sends out more fine roots, making a more compact, transplant-ready root saystem. This reduces root spiralling and transplant shock later.

2. Higher germination and survival rates - Seeds are in a controlled environemnt (soil mix, moisture, temperature), so fewer get eaten by birds, rodents, or fungi. The combined space helps you to monitor and care for each seedling individually.

3. Easier Handling and planting - When seedlings are ready, you can pop them out of the cells with the entire root ball intact, meaning less disturbance and faster establishment. Planting is quicker which is ideal for large-scale reforestation or hedgerow planting.

4. Efficient Space use - You can start hundreds of seedlings in a relatively small area. The trays are easy to move indoors during frost, heatwaves, or storms.

5. Extended Growing season - You can start seeds earlier in the season under cover (or even indoors) before it's warm enough to plant outside. By the time planting weather arrives, you have well-rooted young trees ready to take off.

6. Reduced weeding - As each seedling has it's own cell, weeds are minimal compared to open ground sowing.

   
   

   For slow-growing species like Holly or Hawthorn, tree cells are especially useful as you can keep them in the same cells for 1-2 years while they go through their dormancy cycles, without worrying about root tangling or overcrowding.