Although more labor-intensive than purchasing materials, materials collected in the field can be more effective for achieving restoration goals than commercially available materials [1]. Transplanting in the fall is a good time as plants should be in robust condition after summer monsoons and the soil is not too hot (but temperatures are still warm enough to encourage root growth). However many trees that go dormant in the winter are best transplanted then. Keep in mind that pretreatments after transplanting (such as soaking tree cuttings) [2] might be necessary for transplanting success.
Though Utah has few laws pertaining to the protection of native and rare plants, various federal laws do apply. Do not collect materials without landowner permission or proper permits, and know the rules pertaining to plant collection and transfer.
Resources
- Collecting Plants on Public Lands for Utah Landscaping | USU
- Planting Landscape Trees | USU
- Planting Pole Cuttings in Riparian Ecosystems
- Establishing Big Sagebrush and Other Shrubs from Planting Stock
- Care of Desert Adapted Plants
- How to Transplant a Cactus
- Utah Agricultural Code
References
[1] Petersen SL, Roundy BA, Bryant RM. Revegetation methods for high-elevation roadsides at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. Restoration Ecology. 2004 [accessed 2022 Dec 22];12(2):248–257. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1061-2971.2004.00321.x. doi:10.1111/j.1061-2971.2004.00321.x
[2] Schaff SD, Pezeshki SR, Shields Jr. FD. Effects of pre-planting soaking on growth and survival of black willow cuttings. Restoration Ecology. 2002 [accessed 2022 Dec 22];10(2):267–274. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1526-100X.2002.02035.x. doi:10.1046/j.1526-100X.2002.02035.x