Forestry and Land Scotland is trialling frozen tree planting in Highland Perthshire and the Angus Glens in a bold bid to stretch the traditional planting season.
The technique, rarely seen in Scotland, involves storing young trees in a deep freeze until the moment is right.
Once transported to site, the saplings are slowly thawed under silvicultural tarps at a steady five degrees Celsius before being planted.
It’s a method borrowed from Canada, where FLS Steward Forester Paige Klinkman first witnessed its success.
Freezing keeps the trees in a dormant state, which means they hold on to their vital nutrient reserves until planted.
This dormancy not only boosts survival after planting, but also lets the trees prioritise root development over leafy growth.
That root-first focus is crucial for strong, steady establishment, particularly in the warming spring and early summer months.
It also avoids common headaches like mould, pest attacks, and the dreaded plant shock during transportation.
Once thawed, the frozen trees are handled like any other bare root or cell-grown specimen.
Trials with species including Scots pine, Sitka spruce, noble fir, and mixed broadleaves have shown real promise.
Paige explained that getting fresh stock in late spring is usually difficult, but the frozen approach bridges that gap neatly.
She added that the trees planted in early summer established faster and proved hardier than expected.
Another win was reduced deer damage, as the animals had more grazing options during warmer months.
This tactic, while innovative, is part of a wider push by FLS to future-proof forestry in the face of climate change.
With hotter summers, shifting seasons, and a greater demand for timber, the sector must adapt to survive and thrive.
Extending the planting season helps meet growing targets and ensures Scotland’s forests stay resilient and productive.
It also supports the wider £1-billion forestry economy and the livelihoods it sustains in rural communities.
FLS hopes frozen seedlings will become a reliable option in its broader climate strategy going forward.
As the environment changes, these icy beginnings may just offer a warmer future for Scottish forestry.
