Reflective tarpaulins are used extensively in Western Canada to protect tree seedlings against solar radiation during transportation and on-site storage prior to planting. This report outlines heat transfer characteristics of new and used reflective tarpaulins, and a FIST (Fiberglass Insulated Seedling Transporter) canopy. Containerized white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings were exposed to heat while stored in boxes under tarpaulins. In a separate laboratory experiment, seedlings were pre-conditioned and exposed to heat. All seedlings were outplanted in nursery plots, and survival and growth were monitored.