Landscape Tree Container Production

The development of the structural root system on container-grown trees has not yet been extensively studied, so there is not much that can be said with certainty about development of structural roots in this system. Preliminary observations indicate that there may be less of a tendency for adventitious root flares to form.

Container tree production is most popular in the warmer climates of the south and west. Many of the species grown are different than in field production in colder climates. In part because of the species differences, early production practices differ. Rooted cuttings are more popular than seedling root stocks. Cutting the stem back to produce a strait whip for the trunk is not commonly done.

In container production, growth of primary roots is usually stopped by air pruning or wet soils in the bottom of the container, rather than by mechanical pruning. When the tip is killed, little regeneration will occur because of these same unfavorable conditions. This may encourage growth of lateral roots sooner. (photo by: RootMaker Products Company, LLC.)		View larger
In addition, each time the plant is repotted to a larger container, there is little disruption to the roots in the root ball. Damage to the small laterals that could later develop into structural roots may be avoided. This may lead to a less pronounced adventitious root flare and more lateral roots closer to the soil surface.		View larger