Part 1 Lifting until Dispatch
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objective
Once out of the ground, plants and especially plant roots are highly susceptible to damage. Adherence to these recommendations should ensure that plant roots are exposed to the risk of damage for the minimum time, so that following re-planting there will be maximum plant survival. Container grown plants, although less prone to root drying, need to be protected from extremes of cold and physical damage to the shoots. Nursery operations should be carried out by appropriately skilled operatives under the control of competent management and with adequate supervision.
1.2 Scope
These recommendations apply to the handling of trees, shrubs, climbers, roses, conifers, forestry planting stock, hedging plants, fruit trees and bushes.
Similar recommendations also apply to herbaceous perennials, alpines, etc. but the primary concern of this booklet is for hardwood species.
1.3 Damage
Damage to plants and plant roots can be caused after lifting by:-
drying-out (even in still, apparently moist air)
heating up
freezing
water-logging
physical breakage
Plant viability can also be reduced by crushing, dropping etc. even if no visible physical breakage results. Plants must therefore be handled gently and with care at all times.
1.4 Length of Time at Risk
Ensure the period between lifting and placing plants under temporary storage, and the periods between such storage and dispatching from the nursery are kept to a minimum.
Unless in cold storage, ensure the plants are in temporary storage for the minimum of time appropriate to the method of temporary storage and time of year.
Dispatch bare-root plants in sufficient time to allow the purchaser to plant dormant stock (this usually means dispatch by mid March unless otherwise agreed with the purchaser).
2.0 TIME OF LIFTING
2.1 Bare-root and Root-balled Plants
Lifting deciduous plants when the ground is moist and the plants are dormant – normally between mid October and March. (Earlier or later lifting may be possible where local conditions or seasons permit but, where possible, lifting should be delayed until the leaves have been shed and the plants are fully dormant).
Lift evergreen species between September and April provided the ground is moist. (Note:- evergreen plants, other than forestry transplants, should be root balled or container grown.)
For all species avoid lifting during severe ground frost or when the ground is frozen. Pay particular attention to protecting roots when lifting in a drying wind or in the sun.
Ensure root balls are adequately supported to prevent the soil falling off the root.
2.2 Container and Cell-grown Plants
Move at any season, except during periods of extreme cold, provided the root systems are well established in the containers and the plants are fully hardened off.
3.0 BUNDLING AND BAGGING
3.1 All bare roots should be put into plastic bags or given equivalent protection immediately after lifting.
So as to minimise the risk of heating up, only bundle when foliage surface is dry, and consider the type and condition of the plants when deciding the number per bundle, or how many to put into the bag.
Do not bundle container-grown or root-balled plants.
Securely tie in the lateral branches of feathered trees and other stock if they may be damaged during transit.
4.0 TRANSPORTING PLANTS WITHIN THE NURSERY
4.1 Be as speedy as possible in getting plants into temporary storage, as they are at particular risk during this transportation period.
4.2 Minimise the moisture loss at all times; always protect bare roots. On open vehicles securely sheet over roots in such a way that there is a minimum draught under the sheet.
4.3 Root-balled and container-grown plants may be transported within the nursery without additional protection, provided the plants are not exposed to extremes of temperature.
5.0 SHORT TERM STORAGE BEFORE DISPATCH
Plants may be stored for the minimum of time appropriate to the method of temporary storage and packaging, provided the following requirements are strictly adhered to:
5.1 Bare-root Plants
5.1.1 Outside
Keep the plants in a sheltered and preferably shaded location. Surround the roots with a freely-drained, moisture-retentive material which is watered periodically. Ensure good contact between the material and the roots.
5.1.2 Indoors
Relatively short periods of exposure outside of plastic bags, even in an unheated packing shed, can result in serious drying out of roots, and thus plant losses. For unprotected plants kept in such a location for up to 24 hours, lightly spray the roots at regular intervals to keep them moist. For longer periods, surround the roots with a freely-draining, moisture-retentive material and moisten as frequently as the conditions require. Ensure good contact between the material and the roots.
5.1.3 In Polythene Bags
Protect the bags from direct sunlight at all times unless the plants are in black and white co-extruded polythene bags. Do not stack bags for any length of time. Where delays of more than a few days occur, store the bags upright in a shady position or shed, or place them in a cold store. Regularly examine the stock for signs of fungal disease and, if necessary, open up the bags and keep them upright in a cool ventilated position.
5.1.4 In Cold Storage
In direct cold stores enclose the plants entirely in polythene. In jacket or humidified cold stores, no special protection is necessary, provided the humidity is maintained at a high level.
5.2 Root-balled Plants
For short periods of storage, keep permeable wrappings moist by watering. For longer periods of storage, any polythene wrappings should be well perforated and protected from direct sunlight. Place root-balled plants with permeable wrappings on a well-drained surface and cover with a freely-draining, moisture-retentive material, moistened as regularly as the condition of the material requires. Ensure good contact between the material and the root-ball.
5.3 Container-grown Plants
Stand containers upright on well drained, weed-free ground. Whatever the time of year, water sufficiently to prevent the compost drying out. Support tall plants to prevent them blowing over. During the winter months give temporary frost protection to susceptible species and plants recently grown under cover.
6.0 LOADING FOR DISPATCH
Unless otherwise instructed by the purchaser, adhere to the specification for packaging and transporting nursery stock which is described in Part II.