We grow all our trees in the ground and there are many benefits of buying a field grown, rootballed tree; at our dedicated nursery for trees. Our commitment to the art and science of nurturing trees speaks for itself. We are often asked why we grow our trees in the fields and not in containers. The reason is simple: trees only really grow and develop to their full potential with their roots in the ground. When they are containerised they will survive for a while, even for a few years. But ultimately they want to go back into the ground, this is where they thrive. So you could say we sell roots not trees!
Between November and April trees can be either planted or lifted from the ground to sell. Lifting is done carefully, making sure that the soil remains intact around the root system. On removal from the ground the rootball is wrapped in biodegradable hessian and un-galvanised wire.
When the trees are planted again it is essential that the hessian and wire are left on in order to maintain the integrity of the root system
Growing trees in the ground is more economical than growing in pots. This means that as a customer you have more choice when you come to our nursery as we can grow more of each variety; we have more space and the cost is less per acre.
Growing in the ground means we can grow our trees for longer allowing for more pruning and transplanting, which results in a more established shape.
Growing in the ground allows for natural growth and development of the tree.
We always remind people that without a good root system a tree won’t survive. We take a lot of care ensuring our trees are sold with proper root systems, allowing them to survive and thrive when planted in their new homes. A good root system is achieved by ‘transplanting’, which is a process by which trees are dug out of the ground and replanted in a different area of the nursery before sale. It means that effectively the roots are pruned and thereby ensuring more fibrous roots around the base of the tree. Sometimes transplanting is not necessary and merely pruning the roots in situ will suffice.
Every time our trees are transplanted it encourages more fibrous roots to develop, which creates a healthy root system. This allows for high survival rates when being planted.
Transplanting also stimulates growth and development without the tree gaining too much height, allowing it to broaden and its shape to become more developed.
Rootballing the tree when it is lifted out of the ground ensures the root system is not disturbed and remains intact. Neither will it be disturbed during the handling, transportation and planting process.
Rootballed trees are protected from the rigours of site activities in commercial planting (compared to bare-root).
Once planted the un-galvanised wire soon breaks down and the hessian will rot, allowing the root system to develop.
The rootballed tree is the best planting solution and has high survival rates as long as best practice is followed. At New Wood Trees we carry out undercutting and transplanting to all our stock to ensure there are lots of fibrous roots around the base of the tree.
In the eyes of a nurseryman, the roots are much more important than what can be seen above the ground. Without an established and developed root system the tree will not thrive.
Lastly, the size of trees we sell are only as good as the aftercare they receive once they are planted out. Watering is essential for the first few years, until the root system becomes established in the ground where they have been planted.
View our stock collection and make an appointment to view our trees today
The Barn, Broadley Lane, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6RR
