One of the first things you have to decide when selecting a tree is do you want it with or without soil. Healthy roots are one of the most important criteria in selecting a tree. Unfortunately, you rarely get to see the roots. They may be trapped in a container. Or, covered with burlap. Bare root trees may be at a nursery out of state in a sand pit or a refrigerated reefer waiting to be shipped in a box.
Today, I'll give you some of the pros and cons of buying container, ball and burlap, and bare root trees to help you select a tree with healthy roots.
- Container Trees
- Pros - Budget friendly with smaller sizes that cost less than ball and burlap. Availability can be better since you don't have to wait for harvest season. Container trees can be found at garden centers, hardware stores and even grocery stores. The entire root system will be in the container as compared to a ball and burlap tree where some of the roots are left behind in the field.
- Cons - The roots may be girdled, growing around the inside of a round container, and will affect the life span and health of the tree. Container trees are generally grown in year round warm climates that may be quite different from the climate where it will be planted. The roots of a container tree are more exposed to extremes in temperatures and moisture.
- Pros - Larger nursery stock is available with ball and burlap trees giving your landscape an instant, mature look. Nursery stock grown in your location will have good adaptability given similar soil types and climate. Ball and burlap trees are available year round with best selection in the spring. Many varities can be harvested again in the late fall.
- Cons - Ball and burlap trees can be more expensive given the time and labor that goes into growing and harvesting and the expense of shipping them. Roots will be left behind in the fields when the tree is harvested. The root flare can be buried too deep within the burlap if the grower clean cultivates the fields. There are some trees that can't be harvested in the fall that may limit your selection. This list includes redbuds, hornbeams, birch and most oaks.
- Pros - Bare root trees are the most economical option. The homeowner planting the tree can insure that the trunk flare is at or slightly above grade level and the roots are evenly spread out to help prevent girdling.
- Cons - The varieties of trees that are available is limited. Finding sources for bare root trees can be a challenge - you may have to use catalogs and websites. Trees are normally shipped only mid spring and mid fall. Immediately upon receipt of the tree, the roots should be soaked and the tree needs to be planted.
As mentioned before, examining the roots of the tree can be a challenge.
A small container tree can be popped out of the container at the garden center. Look for white healthy roots throughout the soil mix. If the roots are tangled up and winding around inside the container, pass on the tree. Roots that are black and mushy are a sign of a tree that is overwatered.
The roots of ball and burlap trees won't be as easy to check out. Shop only at garden centers that are clean with healthy nursery stock. You will know that quality is important to them. First, look for the root flare of the tree. This is the area at the base of the trunk where the trunk widens. You may have to dig around below the burlap to find the root flare, but shouldn't have to dig too deep. While there, see if the twine tied around the basket and the tree trunk is cutting into the trunk of the tree. If so, find another tree. A sign of healthy roots on a ball and burlap tree is a good full canopy of foliage at the top of the tree. Soon after harvest, the tree will begin growing roots and by summer they will be pushing out through the burlap.
A bare root tree should arrive with packing material around the roots keeping them moist. There should be ample root structure in proportion to the size of the tree. Cornell University has a tip sheet to help with care and planting of bare root trees.
Did you notice that I mentioned root flare several times in this article? Covering the root flare with topsoil, even mulch, will slowly kill the tree.
Watch for future articles on selecting trees with good canopies and selecting trees that are drought tolerant.
Click on Plants and Bulbs for more articles by Susan Mertz.
