Nurseries - IKON Horticulture

The worlds most prominent tree growers use Root Pouch containers

This is exactly what we are looking for. Strong lateral dense fibrous roots

At Root Pouch, our focus is all about “The Roots” we know that Circling / Girdling roots are quite common from plastic pots, we also know this problem cannot correct itself once the tree is planted in the landscape.

Girdling roots that wrap around the trunk of a tree weakens the tree by restricting the flow of water and nutrients, leading to the decline of the health of the tree.The difference in a healthy root is a tree struggling for years or thriving for decades!

Why is Root Pouch natural fiber pots the best choice for in-ground and pot-in-pot applications?

One significant difference in Root Pouch and all the others is the weave of our fabrics.
All other fabric companies boast that they air-prune roots. Root Pouch does not air-prune, our fabric weave prunes by entrapment.

Air-pruning works by the weave being loose enough for the roots to squeeze through, once the root hits the air it stops growing and signals the tree to send additional roots.
Entrapment pruning is when the fabric weave is too tight and does not allow the root tips to squeeze through and traps them signaling the tree to send additional roots.

Both methods of root pruning produce the same great non-circling dense fibrous root system when used above ground where there is air surrounding the pots. Growing in the ground as well as pot-in-pot where there is no air is quite different.

Other fabric pots allow roots to penetrate their bags into surrounding soil which is not the most effective way of controlling roots within the bag.

Root Pouch is far superior to pruning roots in all growing applications, this coupled with the natural fibers ability to draw and absorb water from surrounding soil make it the better choice for in ground growing.

KEY POINTS FOR COMMERCIAL GROWERS

• Reduces wind blow over in can yards
• Prevents roots from circling
• Can be used with potting machines
• Stacks great on trucks for shipping
• No trunk wrap needed – because no sharp edges
• Great for above ground growing
• Great for pot-n-pot & field liners
• Creates dense fibrous root structure

KEY POINTS FOR HYDROPONIC GROWERS

• Shorter vegetative cycle
• Produces bigger yields
• Promotes dense vigorous root growth
• Works great with ebb & flow
• Promotes beneficial biology
• For soil and soil-less gardens
• Ideal for growing edibles
• Quicker transition to hardening off cycle

Better Container

Study carried out by – http://www.lksh.de/forst/

EXPLANATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Natural Fibre Blends ( Semi-Degradable Fabrics )

—In-ground growing containers—

Pros

Root zone temperature protection
Hydrophilic properties
Absorbs water from surrounding soil
Acts as a nurturing membrane while creating a controlled dense fibrous root structure
Offers permeability plus they are breathable
Easy to ship, direct-from-field.

Cons

Depending on the degradability timing limitations
Natural fibres will start to degrade and lose tensile strength.

—Above Ground (Container Yard) Growing—

Pros

Superb evenly distributed moisture control throughout the pot
Evenly diffuses temperature differences while providing insulation.
Attracts and absorbs water from the sides, sprinklers, and rain
Ships easily.

Cons

Depending on the percentage of natural fibres and thickness
Tensile strength may be a factor.

100% PETE (no natural fibres blended into the fabric)

Made from recycled plastic water bottles

—Above Ground (Container Yard) Growing—

Pros

Extremely strong, high tensile strength, 260 g/m2 to 300 g/m2 fabrics available
Prevents root circling
Breathable
Provides protection from extreme temperature fluctuations
Prevents root damage from direct sunlight
Easy to handle
Ships easily

Cons

Not recommended for in-ground growing.
Man-made fibres have more of a hydrophobic property to them and do not draw water toward them as natural fibres do.
If a fabric does not contain natural fibres we suggest growers use a drip system for in-ground growing.

Overall Pros

All Root Pouch PETE is derived from recycled plastic water bottles.
No new raw petroleum or new fossil fuels are used.
All PETE is BPA free and inert (chemically inactive)
All Root Pouch fabric is manufactured by Root Pouch to ensure the quality of raw material content

Belloch Forestal, Barcelona, Spain

Belloch Forestal

Pictures: Green fabric Root Pouch

Sheridan Nurseries, Canada

Sheridan uses the Root Pouch as both a stand alone pot and as a pot-n-pot insert. Sheridan has been granted Nursery Grower of the Year two times by the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association.

Pictured: Boxer Brown 15 gallon w/handles Image Credit: Bart Brusse, Sheridan Nurseries

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Oregon, USA

Root Pouch fabric pots, in custom grey 10 x 10 size. Planting budded trees in field production.

Green Acres Tree Farm, Michigan, USA

Green Acres Tree Farm

“The Root Pouch has made all the difference in the consistent vigor of the plant while being held above ground compared to conventional burlap. It retains moisture 100% better than burlap and keeps the root balls cool during hot summer days. We believe in the product and promote the benefits to our clients! Win-Win” – Dennise Vidosh, President