[CANUFNET] Inquiry regarding tree size and tree establishment

[Julian Dunster]

My experience out on the west coast is that the bylaw requirements are 
often too large and lead to more failures than necessary (possibly 
related to pleasing politicians who want an instant landscape and fail 
to understand tree biology).

Conifers at the 50 cm to 1 m height range are easy to replant, they come 
out of transplant shock fast and then add on new increment rapidly if 
watered and weeds are suppressed. The required 2 m or 3 metre trees are 
ball and burlap, have lost upwards of 80% of their roots prior to 
planting, and have a much higher failure rate, or they go into major 
transplant shock and may take 5 to 10 years to recover. By which time 
the smaller trees have outgrown them and are stronger, healthier and 
better adapted trees. The same applies to deciduous trees on many sites.

The larger trees only survive well if then can be found in a larger pot 
or with a large root ball, have any girdling roots removed before 
planting, are planted in good soil with good soil nearby (not just in a 
piddly little planting hole surrounded by well compacted crap), and are 
well watered for at least 5 years after planting.

On Behalf of Dunster and Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd.


Dr. Julian A Dunster R.P.F., R.P.P.., M.C.I.P., ISA Certified Arborist,
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist # 378,
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Honourary Life Member ISA + PNWISA

North American distributor for Rinntech
www.dunster.ca
www.treelaw.info
www.rinntech.info

On Mon/5/24/2021 10:12 AM, C. Kavassalis via CANUFNET wrote:
> What is the current understanding of the influence of tree size on
> transplant establishment and growth?
>
> As a Master Gardener, I would like to make sound recommendations to
> the public regarding caliper size and age of trees for best long term
> results based on up-to-date research. My current understanding is
> based on a 15 year old study by Watson concluding that smaller trees
> establish more quickly and result in larger trees. Does this still
> reflect best practice?
>
> Watson, W.. (2005). Influence of Tree Size on Transplant Establishment
> and Growth. HortTechnology. 15. 10.21273/HORTTECH.15.1.0118.
> https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237555899_Infl_uence_of_Tree_Size_on_Transplant_Establishment_and_Growth
>
> Thank you
> Cathy Kavassalis
> Master Gardeners of Ontario
>