Container Trees vs. B&B Trees
Comparing Container Trees vs Dug (B&B) Trees
Replacing the 60% of the roots lost can take up to 3 years for slow-growing Oaks.
Compare the growth differential over this three-year period.
Container Tree | Dug(B&B) Tree | |
---|---|---|
% of Roots which come with tree | 100% | 40% |
Red Oak Year I | 2’ Branch | 6” Branch |
Red Oak Year II | 3’ Branch | 15” Branch |
Red Oak Year III | 3’ Branch | 24” Branch |
Total Growth | 8’ | 4’ |
Container Trees grow faster
vs.
B&B Trees have a slower growth rate
Suggested Watering Schedule
Water once a week during January, February, March, November, and December
Water twice a week during April, May, and October
Water every other day during June, July, August, and September
For the first 18 months trees must receive water in addition to the water that is supplied to them via the lawn sprinkler system (if present). On the day the trees are planted the delivery crew will have completed the 1st watering as well as assuring that the soil is settled and rid of any large air pockets. When the customers should apply water again depends upon the time of year which the trees are planted because the watering frequencies change throughout the year as listed above. Whenever watering a newly planted tree for the first time we recommend starting with 30 gallons of water and this applies to all the various types and sizes of trees that we sell.
We recommend watering daily 1-2 weeks after planting and every 2-3 days in weeks 3-12 thereafter.
One good rule of thumb is to immediately irrigate a newly planted tree with 2 to 3 gallons of water per inch of its trunk diameter. So, a tree whose trunk is 2 inches in diameter when you plant it should be given 4 to 6 gallons of water right away.
A newly planted tree’s roots only extend as far as the root ball. Any water in the soil that’s beyond the reach of the tree’s root ball can’t be absorbed. And since that root ball isn’t very large when the tree is first planted, it’s critical to provide enough water around the root ball. Without that nearby water, a young tree in a summer heatwave especially vulnerable.
Sufficient watering is also important if the soil you’ve planted your young tree in is already on the dry side. The dry soil will automatically pull water from the wetter root ball to balance the water distribution where the two materials (root ball and native soil) meet, leaving the tree without enough moisture.
If your young tree is planted among other trees or shrubs, watering is important because the roots of these other, established plants will compete for water with your new tree.
And most importantly, you’ll want to water low and slow. This slow infiltration rate gives the young tree’s roots a longer period to take up water and allows water to move deep into the soil, which is where you want your tree to develop its roots. Shallow watering encourages shallow root development, leaving the tree unstable and susceptible to dry condition.