how would you water them?

what about some larger pots ... with a decent medium .... and root 20 or 30 per pot ..... with a plan to set them free range in fall????

starting free range.. i suspect they will live.. they will root in the cold rather damp z5 spring.. and succumb to the first 100 degree day we have in z5 ... there just wont be sufficient root mass to survive ....

but then .. i never tried it ...

good luck

ken

Yea, thanks Ken. You're right about the doughtiness of our summer's dog days. But, I am trying to really plant hundreds at minimal cost and if I get so-so survival I'll have to evaluate that against the costs. Also; I'm not planning on mowing the site after planting - just prior to, in order to provide shade and protection from browsing herbivores. This plan worked for Norway spruce. It stunted growth rate but not diminish survival. It took nearly ten years to see trees above the grasses / goldenrod. Goldenrod was short ...a poor site, but then that's why it was put into trees. If the shrubs prove as hardy as trees, it'll be good. At least good enough. The problem with nursery stock is it is grown for the home-owner who plans to plant 10 or less. The stock is too big for fast cheap bar planting. Anyone know of a nursery that would cater to the mass planter?

have your tried you local SOIL CONSERVATION district office for stuff .... small trees/conifers/shrubs at bargain prices????

in the white pages under US government ....

and ... are you saying you rooted norways in situ????'

ken