Why Container-Grown Trees Are the Top Choice For Your Yard

Why Trees Grown in Containers Outperform Field-Dug Trees
When planting trees, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing a container-grown tree or a field-dug (also known as B&B or balled and burlapped) tree. Although both options are utilized regularly, at Moon Valley Nurseries there's only one clear option for getting the most out of your tree long-term: a container-grown tree.

The Growth Advantage of Container-Grown Trees
Comparing container-grown versus field-dug trees, one grown in a container and the other dug up from a field, with 3-inch trunk widths. If both trees are planted on the same day and you measure their growth over the next three years, you might expect them to grow at the same rate, but the container-grown tree will outpace the dug tree, year after year, due to one key difference. 

Root System Matters
The key difference between the two types of trees lies in their root systems. When you plant a field-dug tree, the tree must be removed from the ground, which requires eliminating roughly 60% of the roots when removing the tree as you cannot remove every root of the tree from the ground. Only about 40% of its roots remain intact before planting. The loss of those roots causes a significant disruption to the tree's root system and overall growth rate. The tree is unable to access the proper water and nutrients in the soil when planted, which slows its growth. Container-grown trees are planted with their entire root system intact. At Moon Valley Nurseries, we have mastered adequately growing trees in containers, maximizing their growth and preventing trees from becoming rootbound. As a result, the container tree can immediately absorb nutrients and water from its new environment when planted, enabling it to grow faster and stronger.

Year-by-Year Growth Comparison
Lets break down growth over the first three years:

At the end of three years, the container-grown tree will have 8 feet of new growth, while the dug tree will have only grown about 4 feet. That's double the growth!

The Trunk Growth Difference
Not only do the container-grown trees outgrow the dug trees in branch growth, but their trunk diameter grows significantly and becomes more prominent. After three years, the container-grown tree will have a trunk width of 6 inches, while the dug tree will only reach 5 inches. That extra inch of trunk growth may not sound like much, but it truly sets your tree up for long-term health and strength. These caliper gains most certainly add up over time.

The Bottom Line: Faster Growth Equals Better Value
If you're looking to maximize the growth of your trees in the first few years, container-grown trees give the most considerable advantage. The faster growth rate means container trees will establish themselves more quickly and provide more shade, beauty, and overall value to your landscape in less time.
When you buy a container-grown tree, you invest in a faster-growing, more resilient tree. So, consider going the container route next time you choose a tree for planting. Your tree, and your landscape, will thank you for it.
Stop into any of our locations and speak with a nursery professional to help find the perfect (container) tree for your yard!