Effects of undercutting on root structure of young forest trees
The images are courtesy of Michael Lawrence of Bankfoot whose grandfather, Sandy Rose, was Forester and Head Forester at Ledmore Forest Nursery from 1950 (when land was acquired) until his retirement in 1969.
This display board may have been prepared for one of the Royal Highland Shows that Sandy Rose participated in for a number of years. The root structure in the young control tree shows typical central tap root going deep with side roots branching off. The long tap roots were difficult to plant well when out in the field and ended up being folded into the planting position.
The undercut profile of the other young trees demonstrates the desired aim of a less deep but very fibrous root system that would plant more easily and grow well at the start of the growing season.
Any comments are very welcome.
Download Large Version (562kB)
Groups: Forest Nurseries, Forestry in Action