Types of Nursery Stock - A Report by Iowa State University
When the lay person thinks about planting trees, there are usually a few things they think about - species, size, cost, and that’s probably where it ends. When a horticulturalist or landscaper thinks about planting trees though, there is a lot more that they’re looking for in the perfect tree. They’re looking at how the roots have been ‘packaged.’
There are three ways that a trees roots are typically tended to; bare-root, container-grown, or balled and burlapped (BB).
Here’s a quick guide to help you find the best method for your desired tree and outcome:
Bare-Root:
This means that there is no soil around the tree or shrubs roots
Stock is dug up in late fall, where it is then placed in cold storage to be sold in early spring
This method is usually used for deciduous trees and shrubs, and evergreen seedlings
Used for smaller/younger stock (6-8ft for deciduous trees and 2ft for evergreen seedlings)
Bare-root planting should occur quickly after purchase (early spring)
Most cost effective way to purchase tree stock
Container-Grown:
This means that the tree or shrub has been grown in a container for one or more seasons in order to develop the root system
Used for mid-sized stock
Planting can occur from spring all the way into mid-fall, however, planting in high heat (July-August) should be avoided due to the complications that this can mean for your stock
Mid-ranged price for tree stock
Container-Grown vs. Potted Plants:
“Potted plants are bare-root trees and shrubs that have been recently potted into containers. As a result, their root systems are poorly developed and the soil often falls away from the roots during transplanting.” This means that more care has to be given to these plants to ensure that their roots take to the soil in your garden
“In comparison, when the pot on a container-grown plant is removed, the root ball usually remains intact because of the well-developed root system”
Balled and Burlapped (BB):
This means that there is a ball of soil around the tree or shrubs roots, which is wrapped in burlap in order to contain the soil
This method is used for shade trees and shrubs, and larger evergreens
Used for larger/older stock
Planting can occur from spring all the way into mid-fall, however, planting in high heat (July-August) should be avoided due to the complications that this can mean for your stock
Most expensive way to purchase tree stock
We hope this helps with your tree and shrub selection this planting season.
Happy growing!
Read the full article here.