Tree Forms & Definitions
Standard (Std) refers to a tree that has a single, upright, clear stem up to c.1.8m from the ground before the canopy starts. The lateral shoots have been pruned off to create this clear stem.
Half Standard (1/2 Std) tree has a single, upright, clear stem up to c.1.0-1.2m from the ground.
Quarter Standard (1/4 Std) tree has a single, clear stem up to c.0.6 – 0.8m from the ground.
Feathered (Fth) Tree refers to a tree that branches from the ground upwards. The lateral shoots of the tree have been allowed to grow naturally.
Pleached (Plch) Derived from the French language, plechier (pleach) means to braid. This refers to a method of training, where the branches of the young tree are trained along a bamboo framework to create a shape.
Multistem (MS) is a tree that has multiple stems, branching from the ground.
Bare Root (BR) mainly propagated and grown in the open nursery field, trees are transplanted every two to three years and finally lifted (dug up) for planting from early November to late March. This traditional technique offers planting strength, a good fibrous root system and potential cost savings.
Root balled (RB) certain field-grown trees benefit from being lifted with the root system and its surrounding soil. The soil is contained and tightly wrapped in a hessian sack or other suitable breathable material. By lifting a tree with its rootball, the roots are more protected from the elements improving the chance of establishment. When lifting larger trees in this way, the hessian rootball is also wrapped in a wire mesh to contain all the soil and for added strength. This is then known as a Wire Root Ball (WRB).