Planting is a preferred method for establishing Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). The stock types for these species include bareroot and container plants. However, only a few long-term trials have been established to compare the performance of the different modern stock types within the large distribution range of these conifers. Our aim was to analyse how the growth and survival of P. sylvestris and P. abies was influenced by planting stock type up to eight years after planting in 12 experimental plantings established at prevailing sites for the test species in hemiboreal Estonia. Typically, container plants had better initial growth increment during the first two to three years but this difference disappeared during the latter years. The growth of P. sylvestris bareroot and container seedlings were similar while growth of P. abies container seedlings were slightly inferior compared to bareroot plants. Survival of both test species was independent of planting stock used. Overall, the similar growth performance of the two stock types suggests reforestation with container seedlings may be a preferable option, since they are produced more easily using intensive propagation methods, which will enable more convenient transportation and cause less planting stress.

Keywords: forest planting, planting stock type, Norway spruce, Scots pine.