Nursery Market Report: April 2000, TREE PRODUCTION: Gone to Pot

Container-grown trees are increasingly becoming a top choice for growers and landscape contractors. But will this current trend continue and could this be the end of balled-and-burlapped material, or B&B?

The answer to the last question is indisputably “no.” Still, there will be less B&B material grown in the future because container-grown trees require less labor, offer improved product consistency and faster turnaround time. Growing large field-grown specimens will continue to be necessary, though, because large container production may be unmanageable in some cases.

Our experience shows that the majority of trees, particularly deciduous ones, thrive in containers in “sockets” in the ground. We achieve a 20 percent increase in growth annually compared with the same species grown under field conditions. This allows a turnaround time of one year from the time of planting until the crop is fully rooted, has acquired a good crown and is ready for sale.

Willoway Nurseries Inc., Avon, Ohio, has found that certain evergreens perform better in containers above the ground rather than inserted in sockets because of the warmer temperatures. But 98 percent of trees prefer the cooler root system the “pot ‘n pot” method allows.

CONVERTING THE LAND. Willoway has recently expanded its pot ‘n pot line to include 45-gallon containers. It is possible to obtain a 2½- to 3-inch caliper tree in this size container. Up to 2-inch caliper can be grown in 25-gallon containers and 1- to 1½-inch caliper in 15-gallon containers. As of Jan. 1, Willoway had a total of 30 acres pot ‘n pot production. We plan to add an additional 9,000 containers by fall.

The initial land preparation to convert from field to container production is time consuming, which is why our expansion capabilities are limited. First, the land must be cleared of all remaining field-grown stock and then graded. Trenches are dug in the appropriate width to accommodate the containers.

Irrigation and drainage is installed, followed by the containers, which are used as sockets to hold the newly potted trees. These are spaced evenly along the trench, allowing 40 inches between trees for 7-gallon; 42 inches for 15-gallon; 57 inches for 25-gallon; and 72 inches for 45-gallon containers.

The trenches are then backfilled with gravel and herbicide is applied. Potted trees are inserted in the sockets and drip irrigation is installed in each. Because of the weight of the 45-gallon trees, wires must be attached to the pots for machine lifting later.

FEEDING PRODUCTIVITY. Achieving the significant increase in productivity meant fertilizing the container trees through the drip irrigation system once a week and applying a supplement of granular fertilizer in spring. Water is applied using drip irrigation daily.

The interiors of all containers are treated with Lerio Corp.'s Spinout, which stunts the root tip when it comes in contact with the pot, preventing circling roots from developing. Consequently, faster, more successful planting is possible. The roots are all intact – and no roots are lost from the digging process – yet the pots are not root bound. This has held true even with such species as Salix alba ‘Tristis,’ Niobe Willow.

POT HOLES. Willoway did encounter some minor problems. Initially, a shallow root system was observed in the larger red maples. By increasing the amount of drainage holes in the containers, the roots grew down to reach water and this problem was alleviated.

We have also encountered difficulties with larger trees moving in windy conditions because they are top heavy. This problem is not unique to container-grown trees, though, and it was solved by staking these trees until their root systems were established.

BROAD APPEAL. Growing trees using the pot ‘n pot method has been a definite advantage for growers, not only because of the turnaround time, but because growers can guarantee a more consistent product to their customers.

The increase in costs to prepare the land for pot ‘n pot are far outweighed by the benefits. The majority of trees can be lifted manually from the sockets, are easier to store before shipping and more manageable at the time of shipping. These factors all result in reduced labor.

Landscape contractors, although reticent at first, have now wholeheartedly jumped on the container-grown tree bandwagon. They, like garden centers, have found that storage, transportation and handling problems are significantly reduced. They can also purchase trees year round when they need them, rather than worrying about storage and anticipating requirements for installation contracts they hope to receive. With the increase in size of containers, we anticipate being able to fill most landscaper contractors’ future needs.

Re-wholesalers and larger landscaping companies that routinely have nursery stock on hand have found that by constructing raised beds of pea gravel they can store container trees with ease. These beds are the depth of the containers and are filled with sockets to simulate the in-ground method. Potted trees can be inserted in the sockets and drip irrigation run to each container as in the field. The pea gravel prevents the soil mix from drying out and keeps the walkways clean and dry – a far cry from mulch storage beds.

The author is marketing coordinator, Willoway Nurseries Inc., Avon, Ohio.

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