Recreating a Bottomland Forest

Bottomland Forest Conservation Practice Information Sheet (IS-MO643F)

The primary attributes that affect the type and tree composition of bottomland forests are hydrology, topography, and soil type. Floodplains and riparian areas adjacent to large incised streams and rivers are often underlain by sand and gravel deposits, and can make for relatively dry growing conditions. Such sites may have tree communities more often associated with drier upland conditions. In contrast, poorly drained soils in that pond water may be so wet that only a few extremely water tolerant trees can survive. While the character and structure of bottomland forests vary greatly across Missouri, six distinct major forest communities can be identified and described.

1. Dry-mesic bottomland forest
2. Mesic bottomland forest
3. Wet-mesic bottomland forest
4. Wet bottomland forest
5. Swamp forest
6. Riverfront forest

Dry-mesic bottomland forests are most distinct in the Ozark and Ozark Border natural divisions. These forests are restricted to narrow valleys of high-gradient streams and typically consist of white oak, northern red oak, black walnut, sycamore, flowering dogwood, hop hornbeam and occasionally shortleaf pine.

Mesic bottomland forests typically occur on flood plains of larger Ozark streams that have good internal drainage and throughout the bGlaciated Plains division on high-gradient streams. Dominant woody species include sugar maple, bitternut hickory, hackberry, and white oak. Black cherry, black walnut, swamp white oak, sycamore, Ohio buckeye, green ash, spice bush, pawpaw, and blue beech are also present.

Wet-mesic bottomland forests were at one time the most extensive bottomland forest in Missouri. These forests are associated with meandering river systems with broad, level valleys and characteristically experience long duration flooding. Species common to this type of forest include bur oak, swamp white oak, shellbark hickory, cottonwood, pin oak, and pecan with cherrybark oak, sweet gum, and basket oak also common in the Lowlands section.

Wet bottomland forests are associated with level valleys on streams and rivers that are wet or ponded for significant periods throughout the year but usually becoming dry during the growing season. Dominant woody plants include pin oak, cottonwood, black willow, river birch, and silver maple with bald cypress, swamp red maple and swamp tupelo common in the Lowlands section.

Swamp forests occupy inundated depressions, oxbows, and backwater sloughs of stream and river flood plains of the Lowland section. The sites are poorly drained and surface water is present for extended periods of the year. Species common to swamp forests include bald cypress, swamp tupelo, pumpkin ash, swamp red maple, and buttonbush.

Riverfront forests occur directly adjacent along rivers and streams. These linear forests are usually associated with higher micro-relief elevations and better drainage. Typically, species include sycamore, cottonwood, silver maple, elm, hackberry, and green ash.

Recreating a Bottomland Forest

Converting pasture or crop fields to a bottomland forest should take into account landowner objectives, topography, soils, adjacent vegetation, hydrology, and cost. This practice should only be applied on fields with woodland or transitional soils that comprise at least 50 percent of the field.

Species selection

Use the bottomland forest type descriptions for general guidelines on suitable tree species or use NRCS Conservation Tree and Shrub Suitability Groups (CTSG) to determine appropriate woody species to plant on the site. Table 1 provides some suggested species to plant along with selected woody characteristics.

At least five species of native trees and two native shrubs are required when establishing a bottomland forest. It is always recommended to use a diverse mixture to help avoid problems with disease, insect, and weather-related mortality affecting a large portion of a less-diverse planting.

Site preparation

It is important to have a good seedbed free from competing vegetation and suitable for the planned planting method. A herbicide application along with disking or plowing is often required for successful plantings. Several treatments may be necessary to eradicate undesirable vegetation. Typically, two well-timed herbicide applications are usually adequate. Old fields and fallow areas may require multiple treatments for one or two growing seasons to eradicate aggressive species. Plantings into killed sod are often more difficult and less successful than those done into a well-prepared, weed-free seedbed. If tillage is used as a site preparation method, allow some time for the soil to settle before planting.

Planting materials and methods

Trees can be established by using one of three types of planting materials: Seedlings/containers, cuttings and seeds. Use the appropriate plant material based on site conditions and species.

Cuttings are suitable for several species, such as willows or cottonwood. Cuttings are best used in moist soils and streambanks. They are planted at an angle of 45-60 degrees with at least two buds above ground and pointing upward.

Bareroot seedlings are the most common method for tree and shrub plantings. Container grown stock can also be used.

Seed planting is usually limited to large seeds from the oak and hickory families. White oak family acorns are best planted in the fall soon after collection. Acorns of the red oak family can be planted anytime from November through April when soil and site conditions allow. Seed must be completely covered by soil, and can be planted via broadcast, strip, spot, or machine methods.

Planting methods include hand planting, machine planting, or natural regeneration. The method of planting should be determined by the type planting material being used, costs, and equipment availability. Natural regeneration is a method that can be used only in specific circumstances. An existing seed source of mature woodlands of desirable species must be located within 300 feet of the planting area. This method will work well in sites likely to be colonized by soft-mast or light-seeded species such as ash, cottonwood, sycamore, elm, maples, and boxelder. Sites that experience frequent flooding and depression areas too wet to machine or hand plant lend themselves to natural regeneration. Site preparation techniques that create a bare soil seedbed before targeted tree seeds mature and drop, will be required.

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