Choosing among nursery production and harvesting methods

To ensure greater transplant survival it is essential to choose trees grown in the nursery production system best suited for the irrigation capabilities at the planting site. The choice is simple for a well-drained site if root balls remain moist after planting - that is, trees from all production systems perform almost equally well (Table 1). For the most reliable results, professional judgment based on the following discussion should guide the selection process in less hospitable sites.

Table 1. Choosing among tree production methods based on weight, staking, and irrigation capabilities at the planting site. (click here for more information) (click here for cost comparison data)

How was this information obtained? Table 1 based on the following eleven scientific publications: Beeson and Gilman, 1992a and 1992b; Dana and Blessing 1994; Gilman 2001; Gilman et al. 1998; Gilman and Beeson 1996; Harris and Gilman 1991 and 1993; Hensley 1994; Marshall and Gilman 1998; and Gilman et al. 2002.