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Root growth in a field nursery
(Click on photographs for more information-suggest starting with 1)
Roots will extend twice to three times the edge of the branch tips on many trees unless manipulated by cultural practices. Root growth can be manipulated by genetics, irrigation, fertilization, and root pruning. Click through the photos below to see the impacts of these cultural practices on the quality of the root system inside the root ball of field grown trees.
1
field grown trees |
2
root to shoot ratio |
3
root systems vary |
4
irrigation and fertility
|
5
root pruning |
6
increased root density from root pruning |
7
tree spade for field digging |
8
spade digs tree |
9
essential materials |
10
tree is lowered into basket |
11
burlap is secured tight |
12
tighten up the basket |
13
finished root ball |
14
irrigated regularly |
15
finished hardened-off tree |
