In Phase I, we start with the best liner material available. We get them from RootMaker propagation nurseries.Their liners are selected for their fibrous non-circling roots and their strong healthy leaders. Upon arrival at our location they are carefully transplanted into 3-gallon RootMaker root manipulating injection molded pots. The media in which they are placed is a customized blend developed by SunGro Horticulture, Inc. The special recipe includes pine bark nuggets, imported Canadian peat moss, incorporated control release fertilizer, micro nutrients, and dolomite to precisely balance the pH of the creek water from Goodland Creek.

The initial 3-gallon containers are placed into permanent in-ground socket pots, commonly referred to as the "pot-in-pot" production process. Early planning predetermines the spacing to allow trees to get maximum sunlight exposure, plus enough trunk exercise from the wind to virtually eliminate staking. The zone is covered with ground cloth to restrict weed growth and minimize herbicide usage. Once mature, 3-gallon pot-in-pot trees are ready for transplant into 15-gallon containers in Zones 3 and 4.

Phase II of tree production results in the trees being transplanted into specialized 15-gallon containers, called bumping. The farm is using containers that are made of a spun fabric with a white poly coating and have microscopic openings to breathe. This insulating container both protects the roots from temperature extremes and traps the ends of the roots as well.Any root circling is curtailed while constricting the root tips promotes additional horizontal root branching.

The geometrically increased numbers of roots absorb more nutrients and more moisture, creating healthier, top-quality plants. When trees reach their maturity level in these containers, they have attained a root structure and form that make them ready for immediate and year-round use by any customer. The dense fibrous root-ball assures a successful transplant and quick adaptation into their new permanent environment, unlike the older and more conventional methods of production. The results are top-quality trees and satisfied customers. Unlike trees conventionally grown that far too frequently result in root circling, the chosen method of growth stimulates nodules of growth that contain nutrients and allow the tree to sustain maximum growth in short periods, thereby reducing blow over by predictable and seasonal winds.See www.rootmaker.com for further explanation.