Many of the trees planted on campus are raised and grown to landscape size in our own container nursery. Most are purchased as small liners from specialty growers throughout the country. The end result, is to judge the performance and value of these trees to this area, and serve as a reference where they may be observed first hand. Ultimately in turn this provides a attractive setting which enhances the University’s appearance.
The process of raising a tree from a liner to planting size can be lengthy, however it allows the opportunity to collect and display a diversity of trees at a fraction of the cost. It also provides information as to the specific growing problems one might encounter, and a trees peculiarities in regard to siting. Other than liners, some trees have been grown from seed or cuttings from other gardens or private collections with the owners permission.
Our average container size is 20 gallon to 45 gallon. There are a number of trees in 150 gallon tree boxes that we build in house on a jig. These boxes are quick and easy to build and plant out of. The boxes are assembled as sides, which are then banded together. When the tree is placed in the ground, the bands are cut and the sides fall away. There is no bottom since the box sits on a pallet with relatively close spaces. Loss of container mix is not a problem.
Many of our trees are grown in copper coated containers which provides for a root system which is very fibrous and a very vigorous growing tree once it is planted. Transplant shock is almost non existent.
Irrigation is accomplished by means of a spray emittor system on sphagetti tubing. It has done a excellent job in water efficiency, performance, and growth of the trees.
Starting in 1997, we began to inoculate the rootsystems of trees with beneficial endo/ecto mychorrizae in the nursery and soil injection of trees which have already been planted. Mychorrizae are beneficial soil fungi working in a symbiotic relationship between a plant's root system and the soil to facilitate water and nutrient absorption. This crucial link in the soil plant relationship helps increase the overall health and vigor of the tree.
Our Greenhouse is used for starting and growing perennials and some annuals. It has a heated misting bench used for the propagation of seed and cuttings of woody ornamentals.
Our Overwintering house is used for protection in the winter and as a shade house in the summer. We have the frame, and the plans are to erect a high arched house for overwintering and to use as a potting house and storage area.
