;)
Immediately
following the devastation left behind by Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne in
2004, Becker Tree Farm decided it was time to take another look at how to
grow non-circling containerized root systems. Since the inception of the farm,
the goal was to grow quality non-circling root systems by producing them in
root manipulating/air root pruning containers. We found that these containers
alone were not the solution – but were only part of the process that
we currently use to insure our customers receive the highest quality non-circling
root systems.
We determined that the majority of the problems we were observing with
container
and field grown trees seemed to stem from issues that were created by holding
the liner or three gallon trees too long in their containers before up-sizing
them into a larger container or into the field.
Container sizes of 15 gallon or larger, if up-sized timely, proved to be far less of a problem. However, our production staff felt that in order to ensure non-circling root systems for our customers, procedures would have to be in place during all up-sizes.
Listed below are the extra procedures Becker has implemented in the pursuit of “Quality Root Systems for the Urban Landscape”:
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When up-sizing from the small liner or a 1 gallon container, each root system is observed, trimmed if necessary, or “teased” apart to correct any circling before potted into the three gallon container.
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All of our three gallon trees go through a rigorous process where the top few inches of soil is blown off of the root system using an air spade. This exposes any possible root circling as well as the first order root. Any exposed root defects on the top of the root system are then correctively pruned. The sides and bottom of the root system are then “shaved”. “Shaving” is a process developed and proven by Ed Gillman (IFAS). During “shaving” a root saw is used to remove the whole exterior side and bottom of the root system eliminating any possibility for root circling. This leaves the remaining pruned roots pointing outward.
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This root “shaving” process is then repeated during all future up-sizes regardless of the size of the root system being upsized, eliminating the possibility of circling during all phases of the production cycle.
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The use of the above mentioned root manipulating/air pruning containers, along with timely up-sizing, are practices that also contribute to the success of Becker’s program.
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During the up-sizing process any root systems deemed unsatisfactory are culled.