Results and preliminary findings of nursery and outplanting studies of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) indicate that inoculation of fumigated nursery soil with Pisolithus tinctorius (Pt) during spring sowing coupled with optimum cultural practices in the nursery greatly increase survival and early growth of planted 1-0 bare-root stock. In addition to inoculation, other nursery cultural treatments being evaluated include: (1) low seedling density (6 to 12 seedlings/ft2), (2) lateral-root pruning, and (3) maintenance of nutrient balance throughout growing season. Root pruning increases the development of second- and third-order lateral roots and of short roots on severed lateral roots. These root changes increase the number of Pt ectomycorrhizae on the root system. Desirable characteristics of 1-0 stock for planting on deep sandy sites are root-collar diameter of 0.5 inch or larger, numerous lateral and short roots, and abundant Pt ectomycorrhizae.