Cell Grown Trees
Are you looking to plant native trees?
Ashtrees Nursery is a Leeds based Tree Nursery business who specialise in the production of cell grown native trees and shrubs in Rootrainer cells. Rootrainers are small, individual containers that help stop root spiralling that can be associated with plants grown in the more traditional round plant pot. Where ever possible we use locally collected seed or British seed sources of known provenance. This ensures that local biodiversity is maintained and that the trees and shrubs that we grow are suited to the final planting place.
Our seed is obtained from and grown in the U.K. whilst this is more expensive than seed imported from abroad, it does mean that the trees that we produce are free of Ash Die Back and are suitable for the U.K climate.
Why use cell grown trees?
Cell grown plants/trees have slow release fertilizers added to the growing medium which helps the tree in the first few years after planting. The growth & health of the tree is greatly increased compared to bare rooted plants.
Our plants are grown in a controlled environment, compact & even growth is achieved and results in stock that is easier to plant than bare rooted trees. We do not cut the roots off our trees, they are not damaged by heavy machinery & the plant is supplied with all the roots that it had throughout its time on the nursery resulting in a more fibrous root system, giving you better establishment success.
We have lots of customers who now solely use cell grown trees/plants. If you decide to do the same, we are sure you will not be disappointed.
What Type of Cell Grown Trees do we Supply?
It is estimated that there are 33 types of tree native to Britain. Ashtrees Nursery supply a wide range of cell grown trees such as: Some of the popular trees we are asked for are: Noble Fir, Nordman Fir, Field Maple, Norway Maple, Sycamore, Italian Alder, Common Alder, Grey Alder, Crab Apple, Norway Spruce, Sitka Spruce, Scots Pine, Wild Cherry, Bird Cherry, Black Thorn, Quickthorn, Hawthorn, Sessile Oak, English Oak, Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Hornbeam, Sweet Chestnut, Common Dogwood, Hazel, Spindle Tree, Common Beech, Copper Beech, Holly, European Larch, Hybrid Larch, Wild Rose, White Willow, Western Red Cedar, Small Leaved Lime, Goat Willow, Crack Willow, Common Whitebeam, Rowan, Yew, Broad Leaved Lime, Western Hemlock, Wayfaring Tree, Guelder Rose.
Sowing the Seeds for Cell Grown Trees
Depending on the species of tree, sowing can take place as early as September, this is to establish a root system as early as possible and the plant can start to put on shoot growth at the start of spring. During sowing slow release fertilisers are added to the compost to give the plants a steady supply of nutrients throughout the year.
Growing Cell Grown Trees
After the seeds have been sown, the Rootrainers are placed on wire staging. In doing so the emerging roots are air pruned and the amount of finer roots in the plug are increased, this also gives it its characteristic shape. Water is supplied by overhead irrigation and is also used to apply fertiliser when needs arise. During the summer months the plants are placed outside to harden off.
The Result of Growing Cell Grown Trees
After 5 – 10 months of ideal growing conditions, plants with balanced and healthy roots and shoots are produced. These are then graded in to packs with the root plugs wrapped in protective plastic and then packed in to sturdy boxes ready to be despatched.
