A Quick Guide to tree production and supply

There are a number of different methods of tree production, that lead to varying levels in quality in the finished product and also varying levels of post-planting success. The three main types of tree supply being Bare root (these are open ground and field grown), Root balled (also field grown) and container grown trees. Here is a quick guide to the differences in these methods of production, their limitations and successes.

1/ Bare root – planting season; during the autumn/winter months when the trees are dormant.

Bare root trees are grown in field in rows, they are dug up and lifted from the ground and transported to their planting point as they are. They are cheap to produce and cheap to buy for the consumer. Bare root trees are easy to transport and handle, but have limited success post planting, as the lack of root system that remains with the tree when it is lifted makes establishment more stressful for the tree. Bare root trees basically have to re-grow their root systems prior to being able to thrive. The lag period between establishing roots and growing a nice healthy crown increases the risk that the tree will fail. The period of time over which the tree remains out of the ground prior to planting is crucial, as too long a time can cause the roots to dry out beyond a reasonable point and thus the tree will fail. Bare root tree supply is limited to small stock, with the risk of failure being greatly increased when planting larger specimens

Positive points: cheap to purchase

Negative: Lack of success post planting, limited to when the tree is dormant (autumn/winter).

2/ Root balled – planting season; during the autumn/winter months when the trees are dormant.

Root balled trees start out life in a similar way to bare root trees, field grown in rows on a nursery. The big difference with Root balled trees is that the roots are periodically undercut with the purpose to establish a fibrous root system inside what becomes known as the root ball of the tree. When the tree is lifted the root ball of the tree is contained by wrapping it in a wire mesh. The wire mesh ensures that the root system is kept intact during transport. The root ball is then further wrapped in hessian, which reduces the rate of water loss from the root ball. This method of supply goes some way to reduce drying out and water loss and is capable of supplying trees with a more complete root system, but it is not entirely sufficient to immediately support the tree. The lag period between establishing further roots and growing a nice healthy crown with this method of supply therefore also increases the risk that a tree will fail.

Positive points: Cheap to purchase, easier to handle than bare root trees

Negative points: Limited reliability post planting, restricted to supply in Autumn/Winter months when the trees are dormant.

3/ Container grown trees – planting season; all year round

Container trees have been produced to eliminate many of the problems associated with bare root and root balled trees by producing a fully established root system within the container prior to the trees being supplied. The fully established root system of container grown trees is produced by taking a bare root or rootballed tree, putting it in a container on the nursery for at least one season, whilst giving it everything it needs in terms of water and nutrients. During this period the root system of the wounded trees are able to grow and thus are able to support the tree post-planting. The complete root system enables the trees to readily establish and flourish once planted, as they are immediately capable of taking up water and nutrients and water to support growth and development. The fact that the trees do not need to be lifted from the ground when dormant means that they can be supplied all year round and thus there is no limit to when they can be planted.

Positive points: Very high post planting success, vigorous growth exhibited in the first year of growth post planting. Can be supplied and planted all year round, so are not limited by the seasons.

Negative points: More expensive than bare root and root balled tree supply.