Questions with Wayne Hinton

Growing tree seedlings as well as many other species in smooth, round conventional plastic pots is detrimental to the long-term health of the plant. Plant autopsies show once roots are circled, deformed and congested, they remain in that position. Wayne Hinton, owner of RootMaker, tells us why the best solution is to grow plants in the RootMaker® container system to prevent these problems.

1 | What is the first and most important step in the RootMaker® system?

The most critical step is propagation. Very young and actively growing root tips respond to air-root-pruning by producing many secondary roots. Research has shown that roots should be air pruned no more than 4 inches below the seed and on the sides of the pots as well. This pruning results when root tips are guided into openings in the container where the tip dehydrates and dies. The key to air-root-pruning is our container design.

2 | After propagation, what comes next?

After propagation, shifting to our 1, 2, 3 or 5-gallon RootMaker® will continue the root pruning. This creates a root system throughout the volume of the growth medium and not just a congested layer at the sidewall. Root pruning creates highly branched roots which means many more active root tips to absorb greater amounts of water and nutrients to supply the plant. This increase provides the plant with more energy for stimulating faster growth and establishment.

3 | Are there other methods of root pruning?

Yes. In addition to air-root-pruning, our RootTrapper® containers prune by root-tip-trapping. Using our patented bi-layer fabric, root-tip-trapping is accomplished when root tips contact the unique sidewall and the tip is trapped and can no longer extend. When this happens, secondary roots are produced. Our In-Ground Knit fabric prunes roots in the ground. Constriction pruning occurs when roots grow through our Knit Fabric container wall. With openings of 5/64-inch in diameter, young root tips extend freely through the openings in the fabric, but as they increase in diameter they become girdled or constriction pruned resulting in predictable and precise root pruning.

4 | What are the benefits of root pruning with RootMaker® technology?

By utilizing the RootMaker® system, growers produce a fibrous root system and a greater root tip surface area. Plants are more efficient, production time is decreased and a superior plant is produced for your customers.

“We have tried other pots and bags, but there really is no substitute.” – Brandywine Trees, LLC

“I believe that this is the best growing system out there and believe me, I am always looking.” – Possibility Place Nursery

“There’s nothing in the industry that has ever come close to it, especially when it comes to growth rates.” – Athens Tree Farm

“RootMaker® containers produce the absolute best possible root system available to our industry.” – Rennerwood, Inc.

“We have chosen RootMaker® to grow the best desert trees in the southwest.” – Arid Zone Trees NM

For more: www.rootmaker.com