Question
Hi,

I am a student in botany, and I am trying to grow some beech (Fagus grandifolia) seedlings for an experiment that needs extensive root growth.  

I have been growing some seedlings from seeds collected from wild populations in the fall of 2006 (germinated in the refrigerator that winter, then planted in containers in the greenhouse in the spring of 2007).  However, I've had very mixed success.  Most of the seedlings are still very small (~10" tall) and have not exhibited much root growth.  I've tried repotting the plants to larger containers, but they do not seem to be forming a large root ball or mass.  I was worried this was an over-watering problem, but we have cut way back, and there isn't much change.  

Is there something I can do to encourage root growth?  Or just growth in general?  Is it possible that I just have too high of expectations here?  What is the typical growth rate for a beech seedling that I can expect?

Thanks for any advice you can give.  I appreciate your time and effort!

Best,
--Erica

Answer
Hi Erica,
Thanx for your question.  Many trees grow slowly at first others grow quite quickly.  Ten inches tall isn't bad for the first year!  Trees do not grow (in general) as quickly as perennial or annual flowers.

I'm really not a tree expert and so I am referring you to Jim Hyland, a tree expert at Allexperts.  He is on vacation until June 9 so if you will pose your question to him, he may have some insight on how to increase root growth.  I believe he was with the Forestry Service.  I hope this helps.
Tom