Spring Ring Trees
Introduction
SAP Nurseries would like to present our recently expanded range of trees grown in “Superroots” spring rings.
Due to ever increasing demand for this unique product we have extended our specialised production unit to cater for 10,000 trees, making it the largest of its kind in Europe.Five years ago, having tried and tested various pot systems at SAP, we chose spring rings as by far the best system for containerising trees for summer planting. Since then, many of our clients have seen the benefits for themselves and have returned again and again for this product.
Science
The “Superroots” spring ring is made from high density plastic, and has an egg carton shaped side wall which is perforated. Unlike a conventional rigid pot or bag the surface prevents roots from spiralling when they reach the inside surface of the pot. Instead the roots are deflected towards holes in the sidewall. When the root tip comes in contact with the air it is air-pruned, thereby promoting natural branching of the root system. The end result is a fantastic, radial root system which gives the tree the best start possible in any landscape project.
Tree selection & Growing
All trees are carefully selected from our fields in Cahir. These trees have been carefully nurtured on our nursery for 5-7 years by our highly skilled staff to ensure they are in prime condition when lifted and transferred to the spring rings during the winter. A specially prepared growing medium is used which includes long term controlled release fertilisers. This, along with our computer controlled irrigation system, ensure the tree produces a strong root system and healthy top growth. The tree can then be planted out with no transplanting stress.
Dispatch and delivery
Once the tree is ready for planting out the spring ring is removed. The root-ball is wrapped in hessian and secured using a wire basket thereby protecting the root-ball from damage. All trees are then delivered by trucks equipped with mounty forklifts to allow for easy unloading on site.
Planting and aftercare
Because the spring ring is removed before dispatch and replaced with a wire basket, the tree can be placed directly into the planting hole without any difficult pot removal and no danger of root disturbance. The hole should be backfilled using good quality topsoil and the tree secured using a double stake and crossbar.
After planting, the tree should be watered well. It should be remembered that unlike with winter planting, at this time of year the tree is growing actively and can therefore dry out quickly. Newly planted trees should be carefully monitored during any dry weather particularly during the first year after planting.
Feeding of the tree is not necessary during the first 4-6 months after planting as long term controlled release fertiliser is incorporated into the growing medium.
Contract-grow
Because of the limited space available it is not always possible to have large numbers of individual varieties available at short notice. In recent years more and more clients are now requesting that we contract-grow trees in spring rings for various projects. If it is apparent from an early stage that a project will require summer planting, early planning will allow us to contract grow the exact requirements for that project in spring rings, so that the trees are available in perfect condition for planting as soon as the site is ready.
Summary of benefits of spring ring trees
- Year round availability - Large trees are available for all year round planting. No need to wait for the winter planting season to complete a project.
- Plant in good soil conditions – No need for planting in bad conditions in winter.
- Excellent root system - Very fibrous root system which promotes strong healthy growth.
- Easy to handle – Because a peat based growing medium is used the root-ball is much lighter than a traditional soil root-ball.
- Ease of planting. - No difficult removal of pots or bags.
- No failures and no transplanting stress – The trees are actively growing at planting time and the roots are not disturbed. Therefore the trees establish quickly.
- Instant impact – Because trees can be planted in full leaf the client will see the effect immediately.