Reforestation at Cloudbridge Nature Reserve in Costa Rica: Planting

Reforestation at Cloudbridge

Bridging a Costa Rican Cloud Forest

Step 3: Planting the trees.

First, where to plant? Drainage, soil quality, accessibilty and biodiversity goals were our main considerations. We decided to plant the commercially attractive jaul (alder) and cipres (cypress) in three rows alongside the main trail that bisects Cloudbridge. Given the terrain and the high drop off from the trail to the flatter lower meadow next to the river, putting these trees in lines more or less along the fence meant that they will have adequate competition to grow tall and straight as well ensuring that they can be cut out economically and easily, protecting against damage to surrounding trees. These trees were planted 3 meters apart. In the picture, Jennifer Smith and Ignacio discuss the forestation plan.

Cloudbridge overview -- the meadows awaiting reforestation

The remaining trees were spread over the lower pasture, and, when that was filled, up the slopes of the upper pasture. These trees were planted 5 meters apart. The soil turned out to be rich (though rocky) and erosion was minimal. In the picture, the horizontal line of trees marks the main path. Rows of alder and cypress have been planted alongside it. The Lower Meadow, below the path, is fully populated with mixed trees. Some of the Upper Meadow has been planted too, also with a mixture of species. All the holes were dug first, in preparation for delivery of the trees, which were planted as soon as possible after their arrival.

Some trees, such as Tecoma stans (candelillo), are not suited to steep slopes but are adaptable to poorly drained soil which made it a good choice for planting in the lower section of Cloudbridge along the river where water tends to drain and stand at times. Tirra (Ulmus mexicana), on the other hand, grow fast and well on slopes. We found that the oaks (Quercus spp.) are adaptable to a wide range ot terrain, and do better if partially shaded -- in contrast to others like Cedrela tonduzii (sweet cedar) and Alnus acuminata (alder) which thrive in full sun.

A mixture of all the trees was planted near the house, on about one hectare of Finca Amanzimtoti. Like the commercial forestation section, these are intended to offer a demonstration of forestry. Visitors will see them as they pass to visit the Pacifica Waterfall or the Cloudbridge Reserve.

In the photo, Mauricio demonstrates planting a seedling. A hole is dug at least 50 centimeters deep and 50 cm wide, and an area about 1 meter in diameter around it is cleared. The seedling is removed from the plastic bag and planted with its soil, and the hole refilled and packed tightly.

Poro or coral tree: erythrina poeppigiana

To a limited extent, we have tried "planting by estacas" -- a useful supplement to planting seedlings. Estacas are branch cuttings that are transplanted. It is said to be important to do estaca work in the first seven days after the full moon which is known as the “menguante.” The theory behind planting in menguante is that the fluid in the plant is mostly found in the roots while the moon is waning because the gravitational pull by the moon is less. Several sources of the following two trees have been identified and can be planted by estaca.

Poro, Flame Tree or Coral Tree, Erythrina poeppigiana
"Fence-post tree" with excellent nitrogen-fixing qualities. Also used a shade tree for coffee plants. Leguminous. Located all over Cloudbridge. A branch is cut off and simply planted in a hole at least 50 cms deep. The estaca should be watered consistently for two weeks to insure that it regenerates its roots -- nature does this during the rainy season, June-November.

Jocote, wild plum: Spondias purpurea

Jocote, Wild Plum, Spondias purpurea
Several Jocote trees line the roads throughout San Gerardo and are characterized by a filagree looking leaf structure. This tropical fruit tree indigenous to Mesoamerica can also be propagated by branch cuttings 8 to 10 cms in length and 1.5 cm in diameter during the manguante. They should not be planted deeper than 30 cms. It will take three to five years before fruits can be harvested. They are very tasty when ripe although they do have a large seed. Their flavor is creamy, acidic and sweet at the same time. Several Jocote trees line the roads throughout San Gerardo and are characterized by a filagree-looking leaf structure.

Step 4: Maintaining the plantation.

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