Purchasing should include
- identifying desirable branching structures and trunk quality
- inspecting the roots of containerized plants
- distinguishing among balled-and-burlapped, containerized, and bare-root harvest methods
- inspecting plants for pests
- studying industry catalogs for size selections and prices
- determining the requirements for preserving plant viability
- preparing plants for transport and transplant.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are the differences among balled-and-burlapped, containerized, and bare-root plants?
- What are the root-growth characteristics of a well-grown containerized plant?
- How should the root-ball size relate to the plant size?