Abstract
The benefits and costs of varying container sizes have yet to be fully evaluated to determine which container size affords the most advantageous opportunity for consumers. To determine value of the tree following transplant, clonal replicates of Vitex agnus-castus L. [Chaste Tree], Acer rubrum L. var. drummondii (Hook. & Arn. ex Nutt.) Sarg. [Drummond Red Maple], and Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. [Baldcypress] were grown under common conditions in each of five container sizes 3.5, 11.7, 23.3, 97.8 or 175.0 L, respectively (#1, 3, 7, 25 or 45). In June 2013, six trees of each container size and species were transplanted to a sandy clay loam field in College Station, Texas. To determine the increase in value over a two-year post-transplant period, height and caliper measurements were taken at the end of nursery production and again at the end of the second growing season in the field, October 2014. Utilizing industry standards, initial costs of materials and labor were then compared with the size of trees after two years. Replacement cost analysis after two growing seasons indicated a greater increase in value for 11.7 and 23.3 L trees compared to losses in value for some 175.0 L trees. In comparison with trees from larger containers, trees from smaller size containers experienced shorter establishment times and increased growth rates, thus creating a quicker return on investment for trees transplanted from the smaller container sizes.
Highlights
Nurseries over the years have produced trees in increasingly larger container sizes [1,2]
While debate continues over the relative merits of different container sizes [2], this could in part be due to the appreciation that commercial and residential customers have for the instant impact large trees can provide, such as greater aesthetic value of larger trees [3,4], greater biomass present to withstand environmental anomalies [5], less potential for accidental or malicious mechanical damage [6], instant shade [3,4], and increase in property value [7]
These larger trees cost more to grow and occupy a greater amount of nursery space per tree over longer time frames than smaller trees resulting in higher costs of production for growers and higher prices for consumers [6]
Summary
Nurseries over the years have produced trees in increasingly larger container sizes [1,2]. While debate continues over the relative merits of different container sizes [2], this could in part be due to the appreciation that commercial and residential customers have for the instant impact large trees can provide, such as greater aesthetic value of larger trees [3,4], greater biomass present to withstand environmental anomalies [5], less potential for accidental or malicious mechanical damage [6], instant shade [3,4], and increase in property value [7] These larger trees cost more to grow and occupy a greater amount of nursery space per tree over longer time frames than smaller trees resulting in higher costs of production for growers and higher prices for consumers [6].
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