RootMaker, The Original Root Pruning Container System.

RootMaker® and the Whitcomb System®

The Original Root-Pruning System®

Make It Happen®

Nature didn't consider transplanting... RootMakers® do.

RootMakers® are designed to create fibrous, non-circling root systems horizontally and vertically at all phases of production to equip plants for transplanting success. Our products aren't just "containers" but rather root production tools. Each step complements the next, building upon the previous fibrous root system. A fibrous root system means a greater root tip surface area and translates to a greater efficiency in the absorption of water and nutrients; an increase in growth rate, establishment, and vigor; a higher transplant survivability; and ultimately, superior performance for your customers.

Start Strong

Air-root-pruning stimulates root branching without toxic chemicals. Left, without the benefit of air-root-pruning. Right, air-root-pruned in the RootMaker®II container. This critical air-root-pruning accelerates growth and increases efficiency. Continue the root branching with each complementary step of the Whitcomb System®.

Finish Strong

This 6-inch caliper bur oak was grown with the Whitcomb System® and is 6 years old from seed germination. Notice root branching in all directions. After 3 months in the RootMaker® propagation container, and 2.5 years of constriction-pruning in the knit fabric container, this oak was transplanted and grown 3 years with the fabric removed. The only mechanical root cutting was by a 52" tree spade at harvest.

RootMaker® has a wide range of products and sizes to fit your production needs. The critical start is with our propagation containers. Build upon that fibrous root system with each transplant shift. Follow the "4-inch Rule" (allow about 4 inches of new sidewall distance between old rootball and the side of the new container) and continue root branching with the container that best fits your production requirements. If field planting, the Knit Fabric In-Ground container ranges in size from 8" up to 48", or for Pot-in-Pot the soft-sided, white RootTrapper® container is custom made as the production insert. If continuing the Whitcomb System® above ground, RootTrappers® sizes 5 to 30 gallon, or the versatile RootBuilder®II expandable container, sizes 3 to 30 gallon can be used. Finish strong with larger RootBuilder®II up to 150 gallons or larger or RootTrapper® to 60 gallons. Each step stimulates root branching and complements the next, creating a fibrous root system vastly superior to conventional production methods.