True or False: Wire basket trees above 3" caliper may lose 90% of their existing roots in the harvesting process.

True or False: Wire basket trees above 3" caliper may lose 90% of their existing roots in the harvesting process.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if poorly handled
• D. Only if not watered properly

Answer: (A)

The statement that wire basket trees above 3" caliper may lose 90% of their existing roots in the harvesting process is accurate. When trees are harvested for transplantation, particularly those with larger calipers, the process can be quite invasive. The roots of these trees are often significantly disturbed during the extraction, especially if the trees are not carefully handled. The use of wire baskets is common for larger trees because they help support the root ball during transport. However, the act of digging and securing the tree can lead to a substantial loss of the root system, which can impede the tree's ability to establish itself in a new location. If a tree above 3" caliper is not adequately prepared for shipping or is handled roughly, the potential for losing a large portion of its roots increases markedly. This profound loss of root mass can adversely affect the tree's recovery after planting, emphasizing the importance of professional harvesting techniques and proper care during all stages of the transplanting process.

The statement that wire basket trees above 3" caliper may lose 90% of their existing roots in the harvesting process is accurate. When trees are harvested for transplantation, particularly those with larger calipers, the process can be quite invasive. The roots of these trees are often significantly disturbed during the extraction, especially if the trees are not carefully handled.

The use of wire baskets is common for larger trees because they help support the root ball during transport. However, the act of digging and securing the tree can lead to a substantial loss of the root system, which can impede the tree's ability to establish itself in a new location. If a tree above 3" caliper is not adequately prepared for shipping or is handled roughly, the potential for losing a large portion of its roots increases markedly.

This profound loss of root mass can adversely affect the tree's recovery after planting, emphasizing the importance of professional harvesting techniques and proper care during all stages of the transplanting process.