We offer a flyer which is a shorter version of our web information. Click here to download the ten page flyer.  We prefer not to make recommendations regarding which species to use for specific projects and ask that you use the species data on our web site to help you choose the trees and shrubs that might fit your project best.  We hope we provided enough information to help you narrow your choices.  Should you feel that more information is required, there are numerous web pages available for most of the trees we sell that offer much more detailed information.  In particular, customers will find a wealth of information on the NRCS Plants Database website or the U.S. Forest Service Silvics Manual.  We are hopeful that our services might expand as our business matures. 

What is your root management program?

From germination on, our seedlings are grown with methods that promote development of a more fibrous root system.  Seed germination blocks have cells with open bottoms and the blocks are placed on open shelving that results in air pruning of roots that exit the bottom of the germination block.  Germinant plugs are eventually lifted and placed into the final growing container. 

Conifers are grown to target dimensions in a Jiffy Forestry Pellet (pure sphagnum peat in a soft-walled, mesh encased container that allows for “natural lateral root development”.  The pellet we have chosen based on Forest Service research is 2.2 inches in diameter and 5.9 inches in height.  It has a volume of about ¾ of a pint (350 mL).  Forestry pellets are placed in a Jiffy Air Tray that holds pellets apart from each other to allow air to surround the pellet, pruning any root that attempts to exit the pellet.  Each root that is pruned at the growing tip responds by forming many branches, which in turn are pruned as they attempt to extend beyond the pellet sidewall. 

Our air trays are placed in flood and drain trays (bottom fertigating system) that have been treated with a latex paint with copper hydroxide.  Roots that leave the bottom of the pellet are pruned on contact with the copper.  Copper is not toxic to the plant in general but is toxic to the terminal growing cells of the root tip.  The result of air and chemical root pruning is a root system with many lateral branches and many more fine feeder rootlets than would otherwise occur. 

Deciduous trees grow more rapidly with more aggressive root systems than most conifers and we have chosen to use three types of Forestry Treepots marketed by Stuewe & Sons, Inc.  They have applied the best information from forestry research programs to provide a square, light container that allows 20 percent more root growth than conventional round pots and creates a deep root system.  We are currently using three sizes including: TPOT1 which is 4 inches square and 14 inches tall; it holds 0.75 gallons of growing mix.  MT38 is a 3 inch square pot that is 8 inches tall and holds about a quart of mix.  Lastly we are using MT2510, a pot that is 2.5 inches square and 10 inches tall with about 0.85 quarts of mix, but at present we are using this pot to provide additional root growing space for deciduous trees grown in 2007 in Forestry pellets by placing a second pellet in the bottom.  Strong ribs in these treepots eliminate swirling and large bottom holes allow bottom roots to freely exit these pots.  Exiting roots, including the largest taproots, are subsequently pruned as they contact the copper in the flood tray. 

In addition, we have developed our own growing mix for use with treepots that includes a proportion of Coir (cocopeat) that works with the root pruning program to form a more fibrous root system than would occur with more typical growing mixes.  Coir is a waste byproduct of fiber production from coconuts and we are using it as an alternative for a portion of the sphagnum peat we would otherwise need.  Peat bogs are sensitive environmental sites and mining peat can create significant environmental damage.  The use of a peat alternative such as coir fulfills our desire to provide ecological seedlings.  We also sell coir.

Mycorrhizae?
Mycorrhizae are naturally occurring fungi that assist plant roots in extracting moisture and nutrients from the soil.  Most trees and shrubs occurring in their natural environment have developed a symbiotic relationship with numerous soil fungi.  The fungi are not on the root but become a part of the root thus providing a home for the fungi and the fungi grows more rapidly and more profusely than the trees roots can grow and these fungi are known to increase the absorption area for the plant by 10 to 1000 times greater than the plant can achieve.  Tree and shrub species often have specific relationships with only certain species of fungi so trees and shrubs that are planted in areas where they otherwise may not be found means that the symbiotic relationship may never develop.  The lack of mycorrhizae exposed these seedlings to greater moisture and nutrient stress.  We inoculate our seedlings soon after they have germinated with specific mycorrhizae from Mycorrhizal Applications, Inc.  We know how important it is to establish mycorrhizae but it is not easily accomplished.  We will monitor the success of our inoculation program and report on our success or failure in NURSERY NOTES.

How are trees measured?

Stem height is measured from the root collar to the growing tip of the leader.  Shoot caliper is the diameter at the root collar.  The general minimal target dimensions for our trees is 12-15 inches height and 0.25 inches caliper with a woody root collar.  The literature suggests this is the best size to assure strong survivability.  We will meet these target dimensions plus or minus 10% before we offer them for sale.
 

What does “TECH” stand for?

Technological, Ecological, Container grown, High growth.

Why plant trees?