1. CONTAINERS/ROOT SYSTEMS
Over
the past few years ETT has undertaken research into different
growing methods and
types of containers, in order to produce a tree that
will successfully re-establish itself in a new environment.
It is essential to produce a good quality root system
in relation to root direction in the early stages of
development. To assist in this, we have designed a biodegradable
container which stimulates downward and outward root
growth. These containers are used “in house” when
potting into 10 and 25 litre sizes. Once satisfactory
root development has commenced the trees are potted into
more conventional containers that are compatible for
the species and their height to trunk calliper ratio.
We therefore utilize a number of different
containers and Spring RingsTM or their equivalent
if requested. Consideration is also given to planting restraints
on the site such as underground services which may impact
on root ball depth size.
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2. WATER CUTTING
Transplanting
of mature trees of 10 years or older grown outside ETT’s
nursery which require relocation, need root preparation over
a period of time. This encourages the growth of a more fibrous
root system which is required for the tree to re-establish
successfully in a new location. The high pressure water cutter
cuts through the roots and reduces the length of time for
root generation compared to traditional root preparation
methods. Other advantages of water cutting are the elimination
of the large trenches and piles of earth which are incurred
with normal digging, plus a reduced risk of damage to underground
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3. FIELD GROWN TREES
Field grown
trees grown in the nursery are transplanted and root
pruned several times during their development to encourage
the
fibrous root system necessary for their re-establishment.
We endeavour to produce a field grown tree of superior
quality, which is well balanced in relation to height
to trunk ratio, with similar dimensions to those grown
in
their natural habitat.“ Hardened off Field grown
trees are better able to tolerate infrequent irrigation
because roots regenerate and grow quickly into the landscape
soil”*. Trees are available for sale balled and
burlapped during the lifting period of April to September.
Outside
these times, Field grown trees can be supplied, but approximately
8 weeks notice is required to allow for root preparation,
water cutting, stabilizing and placing into baskets prior
to dispatch.
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4. TREE SPADES
ETT
has many mechanical tree spades, rear mounted on tractors,
which dig , lift and replace the trees in a new position
or container ready for dispatch. The hydraulic blades of
the tree spade surround the tree severing the roots as
they dig into the ground. The tree with cone shaped root
ball completely surrounded by the mechanical spade is then
extracted out of the ground. The different sized tree spades
lift trees with root ball diameters of 450mm, 600mm, 750mm,
825mm, 1120mm, 1625mm and 2250mm. |
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