Plant Nursery
Guide
Understanding the journey from seed to tree and establishing sustainable plant nurseries for reforestation
What is a Plant Nursery?
A nursery is a place where plants are propagated from seed and grown up to sapling level for reforestation purposes. There are two main categories of nurseries.
Open Ground Nurseries
Seeds are subjected to natural weather conditions and insects. The sprouting stage is the most vulnerable period in this type of nursery.
Characteristics: Natural environment exposure, weather-dependent growth, higher risk during germination, lower setup costs
Greenhouse Nurseries
Controlled environments designed for optimal growing conditions and best outcomes for plant propagation.
Characteristics: Climate control, protection from pests, higher success rates, year-round growing capability
From Seed to Tree
The incredible journey broken down into different stages of a tree's life - from seed to snag
Seed
A small unit produced by trees to give rise to the next generation. Seeds have evolved into different shapes and sizes for dispersal by wind, water, or animals.
Composed of all nutrients needed to survive independently until reaching a safe place to grow.
Sprout (Germination)
The first root breaks through the seed, anchoring it and taking in water. The embryonic shoot emerges next.
The shoot pushes up through soil, with leaves either emerging above ground or rotting underneath.
Seedling
A shoot becomes a seedling when it's above ground. This is when trees are most at risk from diseases and damage.
Vulnerable to deer grazing and environmental stresses during this critical growth phase.
Sapling
A tree becomes a sapling when over 3ft tall. Length of this stage depends on species.
Characteristics: flexible trunks, smoother bark, inability to produce fruit or flowers.
Mature Tree
A tree becomes mature when it starts producing fruits or flowers. This is peak productivity.
Carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen production reach optimum levels based on species.
Snag
The end stage of a tree's life. A dead or dying tree, occasionally missing the top and/or most branches.
Still provides habitat for various species even in this final stage of life.
LLLF's Nursery Program
We are committed to establishing community plant nurseries and educating locals about the complete journey from seed to mature tree. Through understanding each stage, we can optimize reforestation efforts and create sustainable forest restoration programs.
Community Education
Teaching locals about plant propagation, nursery management, and sustainable practices
Nursery Establishment
Setting up both open ground and greenhouse nurseries for optimal plant growth
Reforestation Support
Providing healthy saplings for afforestation and reforestation projects nationwide
Grow the Future
Join us in establishing plant nurseries and understanding the complete lifecycle of trees. Every seed planted today becomes tomorrow's forest, contributing to a greener and more sustainable Sri Lanka.