Choice of Plant Type

Trees and plants come in may forms and sizes which we have detailed below.

Descriptions of Plant Types and Tree Forms

Cell Grown  Plants	Cell Grown Plants have been grown from seed in Cells (aka small containers, plugs, pots, modules etc.) Importantly the Cells are designed to promote non spiralling, air pruned and strong fibrous root systems.  Sizes normally range from 20/40cms to 40/60cms in height.
Bare Root Seedlings	Normally grown from seed in open ground, have not been transplanted, and are lifted and supplied as bare -rooted plants. Sometimes undercut in the field to encourage fibrous root growth. They are usually 1 or 2 years of age and will normally be between 20 to 60cms in height.
Bare Root Transplants	Bare root transplants are seedlings which have been transplanted,  grown on, and are then lifted as bare-root transplants . Sometimes also undercut in the field to encourage further fibrous root growth. They are usually 2-3 years old therefore, and will be grown to a height of between 40-90cms.
Whips	Whips are larger bare root transplants, usually consisting of only a single slender stem without side branching. These are usually grown to a height of 90-150cms.
Feathered Trees	Feathered trees are larger bare root plants that have an upright central leading shoot and a stem furnished with evenly spread and balanced lateral branches down to the ground. These plants are grown to a height ranging from 1.5m – 2.0m.
Multi-Stemmed Trees	Multi-stemmed trees have two or more main stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.
Half Standard & Standard Trees	Half Standard & Standard trees have substantially upright, strong  stems, clear of  lateral growth and with a branched crown or head. Sizes from 2 to 4m and with girths from 6 to 18cms.
Semi-Mature Trees	Semi-mature trees have an overall height in excess of 4m and a stem girth measure of 20cms +. These are only ever supplied as Rootballs or container grown stock.
Rootballed Trees	Rootballed trees are large bare root trees that have been removed from the ground with soil still attached to protect the root system, and wrapped in hessian and held firm with wire.
Container or Pot Grown	Plants grown in containers (pots) (numerous sizes c.0.25litres upwards) and supplied in many varying plant heights.

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Cells and Container Grown Plants vs Barerooted Plants - Which to choose and why

Cell Grown and Container Grown Plants
Pro's	Con's
Planting season Planting is not restricted and can be up to12 months of the year. Survival Rate Using Cells or Containers can substantially increase the survival rate. Growth after planting Cells and Containers normally grow straightaway after planting Storage Cells and Containers do not require the use of a coldstore and are quite happy to be left outside. No heeling in needed. Planting easy to plant tidy root systems effectively. Root Damage None if handled properly. The roots are contained and protected by compost so the young fibrous roots suffer no damage or desiccation. The whole root system is planted. Sustainability and Growth Cells and Containers are able to survive on hostile planting sites. Provenance A wider range of general and specific seed provenances is available in Cells.	Price Usually more expensive initially than the equivalent sized bare roots, but the improved survival and success rate usually eliminates beat up costs, and outweighs the initial small higher plant cost overall. Handling More bulky to transport Species Choice Less species choice available for larger material.
Bare Rooted Stock
Pro's	Con's
Price Usually cheaper than the equivalent sized Cell or Container material. Handling Not as bulky or heavy and easier to transport around site. Species Choice a wider selection of species in a wider choice of sizes is usually available.	Planting season Restricted to November – April, longer with cold storage, sometimes at extra cost. Survival Rate has a higher mortality rate than Cell or Container stock. Storage requires careful handling and cold-storage; heeling in after delivery unless planted quickly, or further stored; prone to damage if not handled properly; Vulnerable to drying out. Root Damage Roots of bare rooted stock are vulnerable to mishandling and root damage. Planting large  bushy root systems are more difficult and slower to plant. Sustainability and Growth Bare rooted stock has to initially survive on site after planting and this can impede early growth rates.