Planting trees is a lifelong investment. How well this investment grows depends on the choice of species, the type of tree, conditions at the planting location, and the care provided during and after planting.
Native Canadian Maples are available from nurseries in three different Stock Types for deciduous trees – bare root (BR), container and field-dug B&B (balled-and-burlapped) often shipped in wire baskets (WB).
1. BARE ROOT TREES
Bare Root (BR) trees are dug from field soil while dormant and stored with no soil around the roots. They are recommended for spring planting only, require extra care during handling, storage, transport and planting. They require additional post-plant attention during the first 2-3 years after planting. BR stock is the most economical product available with sizes ranging from 125 – 250 cm. ( easy to handle).
2. CONTAINER GROWN TREES
Container grown trees have been grown in a container for one or more seasons, using a variety of containers, materials and cultural methods. They have a compact, well developed root system. Problems can develop when trees are left in the same container for more than two growing seasons. Since the soil stays with the roots when planted, the trees go through limited transplant shock, if given adequate post-plant care.
Container grown trees can be planted from spring through late-June and again from late-August through mid-fall. (easy to handle).
3. BALLED-AND-BURLAPPED (B&B) TREES
Balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees are field-dug from a nursery growing-field with the root ball and soil intact. To prevent the root ball from breaking, the roots are Balled and wrapped in Burlap and twine (known as B&B), with the soil secured around the roots.
Larger trees are dug from the field using a mechanical tree spade. The soil ball is covered with burlap, placed into a wire basket and the basket secured in place with twine. The basket size is determined by the caliper and height of the tree. B&B trees are larger than bare root or container grown trees. They can be successfully planted from spring through early summer and again from late-summer through mid-fall. Mechanical equipment is required when handling this stock type (more difficult to handle).
Maple Leaves Forever (MLF) offers a “Thank You Rebate” to rural landowners who plant Native Canadian Maples on their property. Trees must be a minimum of 150 cm (5 ft) to be eligible for this Rebate. Visit our Thank You Rebate page for details.
Industry professionals, arborists and other planting agencies recommend that native maples and other deciduous trees that will be used for roadside tree planting programs be a minimum size of 175 cm. Maple Leaves Forever encourages rural landowners to consider these recommendations.