Root issues generate interest in alternative containers

Root issues are causing greater interest in air-root-pruning containers and copper-treated; all designed to reduce circling roots and produce a more fibrous root system throughout the entire container, according to Todd Davis in his March, 2006 editorial of Nursery Management and Production magazine.

All root-improving containers are not created equal, he says. Some work better than others and some people argue some do not work at all.

But even with the root-improving containers, bad production practices can still ruin the root system. If a plant is left in the same container for too long, it is still likely to produce malformed roots that will likely girdle and kill the plant as it matures.

Todd suggests that those that seek superior liners produced in these root-pruning pots should seek producers with reputations for quality. Producers with superior standards and grading protocols will not let less-than-premium liners out the door.

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We all like getting more for our money. Generic medicines and pesticides is a good example. But there is a big negative that I never thought of til a friend pointed it out.

These companies hire chemists to create the next Vioxx or Roundup. Years may go by before they get it right. They gamble millions of dollars trying to cure health issues or kill pests.

Years of testing and satisfying FDA and EPA go by. Salaries go up. More doctors and chemists are hired. Test groups are organized. Research farms are maintained. University professors are involved in testing in different environments. Success means more in-depth testing.

So finally a great new product is created. Many people will benefit. It is very expensive to pay for the investment. Ph.D salaries and utility bills had to paid; …… for years and years.

The patent runs out in 20 years (formerly 17). Every Tom, Dick and Harry offers a generic version the next day at a fraction of the cost. The consumer rejoices. Life is good.

But who will invent the next life saving product? The patent allows the originator a period of time to re-coup their investment without concern of pirates. The companies that formulate and sell the generics are not attempting to find the next cure or the next Roundup. They have no lab or research staff.

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To learn a tree?s diameter (or of a circle), measure the circumference. [Timber is measured chest height, 4.5′ above soil, referred to as DBH, (Diameter at Breast Height).] Multiply the circumference in inches by 0.318 or divide it by 3.14. The result will be the diameter in inches.

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Never plant trees on an earthen dam. The tree will eventually die and the roots will decay. Where the roots were become tubes (or pipe, if you will) that can cause the dam to leak.