A tree planting bar, frequently referred to as a dibble bar, is a specialized, heavy-duty hand tool engineered for efficiently establishing new tree seedlings. This tool is designed to create a narrow, deep slit in the ground, making it ideal for large-scale reforestation or afforestation projects. It is primarily used to plant bare-root or containerized seedlings. The design focuses on minimizing effort and maximizing planting speed while ensuring proper depth for the young roots.
Design and Core Function of the Planting Bar
The planting bar is constructed from a single piece of heavy-gauge steel or iron to withstand the force required to penetrate firm soil. The main body consists of a long, tapered, spade-like blade designed to slice vertically through the soil profile. This construction ensures durability against rugged terrain.
Attached near the top of the blade is a horizontal foot step, sometimes called a tread plate. This allows the planter to use their body weight to drive the blade deep into the ground. This feature ensures consistent planting depth necessary for the seedling’s survival.
The tool is topped with a handle, often shaped as a T or a D, which provides leverage for both insertion and removal from the earth. The overall design is deliberately narrow to minimize the amount of soil disturbance when creating the planting hole. This action preserves the surrounding soil structure.
The core function is to create a subterranean slit just wide enough for the root system. This ensures the roots are placed vertically without being bent or compressed.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Tool
The planting process begins by driving the bar fully into the ground at the desired planting spot, using the foot step to apply downward force. Once inserted, the planter rocks the bar slightly to widen the initial slit, allowing free movement of the root system. The bar is then completely removed, leaving a narrow, deep opening.
The bare-root seedling is quickly inserted into this prepared slit. Ensure the root collar—the transition point between the stem and the roots—is correctly aligned with the original ground line. Proper depth is achieved when the collar is slightly below or flush with the soil surface, preventing the root system from drying out.
It is important to ensure the roots hang straight down into the slit, avoiding the common mistake known as “J-rooting.” This deformation occurs when the roots are bent upward at the bottom of the hole. J-rooting severely inhibits the tree’s ability to anchor and absorb water later in life.
To close the opening and secure the seedling, the planting bar is driven into the ground a second time, two to three inches away from the original slit. This insertion creates a pressure wave that compresses the soil against the roots. The bar is then leveraged forward toward the seedling to close the bottom of the hole, eliminating air pockets.
After removing the bar from the second insertion, the planter uses their heel to firmly press the soil around the seedling’s base. This physical compression, known as heel-packing, removes any remaining air pockets and ensures firm contact between the soil and the entire root system.
Common Variations and Related Tools
Planting bars vary based on the specific soil conditions they are intended for. Bars designed for heavy clay soils feature a narrower or more pointed blade to reduce friction. Conversely, bars used in looser, sandy soils may have a wider, flatter blade to create a more stable planting opening.
The handle type also introduces variation. D-handles are preferred for providing maximum leverage during insertion and removal. T-handles may be favored when portability is a greater concern, such as carrying the tool long distances across difficult terrain.
A related, but functionally distinct, tool is the Hoedad. It is common in planting operations on steep slopes or rocky soil. The Hoedad combines a heavy, angled hoe-like blade with a cutting edge, allowing the planter to scalp away debris and create a small, loose-soil hole in a single motion.