ROOTBALL TREES AND PLANTS IN PEAK DISTRICT U.K.

Rootball trees and plants in Peak District U.K.

Rootball trees are grown in the ground, then dug out with a ball of soil around the roots, which is wrapped in Hessian and sometimes wire to keep the soil intact. These trees, particularly larger or evergreen specimens, establish well because their fibrous root system remains largely undisturbed, but they can only be planted during the dormant season (November to April).

 

Considerations for planting

• Handle with care:

  Lift the tree by the rootball, not the trunk, and place it carefully into the prepared pit. 

• Planting depth:

  The rootball should be planted so the top is level with the surrounding soil. 

• Dormant season:

  Rootball trees are only available during the dormant season, typically from November to March/April. 

  
  

Advantages of rootball trees

• Good for evergreens:

  They are an excellent option for evergreen plants and larger semi-mature trees that don't do well as bare-root specimens. 

• Cost-effective:

  They are often a cheaper alternative to container-grown trees, especially for larger sizes. 

• Better establishment:

  The fibrous root system can establish well in the new soil. 

• Higher success rate:

  They generally have a higher success rate than bare-root plants because their root system is kept intact.

   

What is a rootball tree?

• Purpose:

  This protects the roots from drying out and damage during transport, and helps the tree establish in its new location. 

• Wrapping:

  The rootball is then wrapped in biodegradable Hessian (burlap) to hold the soil in place, often secured with wire or rope. 

• Soil mass:

  When the tree is lifted, a significant ball of soil containing the root system is retained. 

  
  
• Field-grown:

  These trees are grown in the open ground like other trees, not in containers.