Since 1990, a series of experiments has examined the appropriateness of 24 tree species for restoring a bottomland and swamp forest in the delta of Fourmile Branch in the coastal plain of South Carolina, USA. In addition, various silvicultural techniques used to maximize the survival of tree plantings, have been appraised for effectiveness. While the topographic relief on the delta is small (dm differences between most sites), it is sufficient to utilize woody species with different flood tolerances. Hence, a diverse forest community can be established, using these elevation differences. In the wettest sites where water persists virtually continuously and may be one to two meters deep during large flood events, only the most flood-tolerant species, such as Taxodium distichum and Nyssa aquatica, can survive. These species will also survive very well at higher elevations, because the permanent water table never fell below one meter deep. In sites that are not flooded, unless the entire swamp is flooded, several additional species can be used. These include Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Carya aquatica, and Quercus lyrata. Finally, in slightly higher areas, Q. michauxii, Q. nuttallii and Q. phellos would have adequate survival. To minimize herbivory and maximize survival, tree shelters should be used if herbivore pressure is high. The prime herbivore of concern is beaver. Thus, any plantings that are frequently flooded may require protection. Other silvicultural techniques, including fertilization and control of herbaceous and willow competition, were not essential to ensure growth and survival. Finally, survival of the least expensive planting stock, bare root saplings, was nearly as good as balled and burlapped stock. Thus, unless absolute maximal survival is required, bare root stock will produce good survival at a fraction of the cost. One critical characteristic of the bare root stock is height, which must exceed the flood depth during the growing season. In the case of the Fourmile Branch delta, this was at least 45–60 cm tall.