4. Container Grown Trees
Advantages
• Ease of handling
• Extends planting time
• Lightweight soil
• Many species, sizes
available
• Normally under 2”
caliper
Disadvantages
• May distort roots
5. Distorted Roots
1
Spiraling and other
2
deformities can cause 3
girdling roots, tree
instability, and other
future problems!
6. Standards for Container Grown Trees
Minimum Minimum tree Minimum tree
Trunk caliper Maximum tree
container size height on height on slower
(inches)1 height
(gallons) standard trees grown trees
1 5 6 5 10
2 20 10 8 14
3 45 12 9.5 16
4 95 14 10.5 18
5 95
1 Trunk diameter (caliper) is measured 6 inches from the ground unless
trunk is more than 4 inches caliper. If so, measure trunk caliper 12 inches
above ground. Source: American Standard for Nursery Stock ANSI 60.1,
and Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Stock
8. Balled and Burlapped Trees
Advantages
• Traditional method
• No bound roots
• Over 2” caliper
Disadvantages
• Heavy
• Limited time for lifting
• 90%+ roots lost
• Establishment time
• May have extra soil over
roots
11. Standards for Balled and Burlapped Trees
Minimum ball
Minimum tree Minimum tree
Trunk caliper diameter on field Maximum tree
height on height on slower
(inches)1 grown shade height
standard trees grown trees
trees
1 16 6 5 10
2 24 10 8 14
3 32 12 9.5 16
4 42 14 10.5 18
5 54
1 Trunk diameter (caliper) is measured 6 inches from the ground unless
trunk is more than 4 inches caliper. If so, measure trunk caliper 12 inches
above ground. Source: American Standard for Nursery Stock ANSI 60.1,
and Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Stock.
15. Bare Root Trees
Advantages
• Reduced weight
• Less costly
• Permits full
examination of roots
Disadvantages
• Limited planting time
• Specialized handling
• Usually wholesale only
16. Standards for Bare Root Trees
Caliper (inches) Average height range (feet) Minimum root spread (inches)
.5 5-6 12
.75 6-8 16
1 8-10 18
1.25 8-10 20
1.5 10-12 22
1.75 10-12 24
2 12-14 28
2.5 12-14 32
3 14-16 38
Source: American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1 published by
American Association of Nurserymen, Washington D.C.
17. Other Tree Growing Systems
RPM SYSTEM
Forrest Keeling Nursery, Elsberry, MO
18. Fibrous Roots
RPM roots Conventional
seedling
Fibrous
RPM and other systems container roots
promote many
branched, fibrous roots
19. Desirable Tree Characteristics
• Pleasing proportions
1-1/2 • Vigorous growth
Inch
Caliper, • Bright green cambium
B&B
• Evenly spaced branches
• No narrow branch
angles
• Straight trunk
• No wounds
• Well formed roots, kept
moist
32. Standard Planting with Stakes
• For windy
locations or
small root
system
• To protect stem
• Use non-abrasive
ties, low on stem
• Allow tree to flex
• Remove ties,
stakes ASAP
33. Optional Berm Planting
• For compacted or
shallow soils
• May be used in lieu of
standard planting
• Stakes, ties, optional
44. •Select trees to fit site
•Purchase vigorous trees with well-
formed branches and roots
•Determine correct planting technique
for site
•Follow-up with good maintenance