RootMaker, The Original Root Pruning Container System.

RootMaker® and the Whitcomb System®

The Original Root-Pruning System®

Knit Fabric In-Ground

Installation of Knit Fabric containers is accomplished with an auger of same or larger size. A depth control gauge on the auger allows for a uniform 12 inch depth. It is important to level the hole bottom to prevent a "bowl" effect. The container is then set in the hole and held open with a plastic expandable sleeve. Fill container with same field soil. At least one inch of the Knit Fabric container should remain above soil line to prevent roots escaping over the top. The system works better when care is taken to keep the sides of the fabric container straight when packing the backfilled soil.

Almost A Treat

Although somewhat labor intensive during installation, harvesting is almost a treat. For the smaller sizes (8 to 14") one person can spade around the outside of the container to sever the small roots, rock the tree back and forth, and lift the tree out of the ground. For larger container sizes (18", 24"), "popping out" with the forks of a front end loader or skid steer works well. Trees also can be harvested with a double-loop of a nylon strap, when plants are dormant and field conditions are moist.

An Accumulation of Energy

With the Knit Fabric container, small roots extend through the fabric but are unable to expand, causing a constriction which leads to root branching and an accumulation of energy. Water management is less complicated in the field and the root system is protected from temperature extremes. When a tree in the Knit Fabric container, generally sizes 8" to 24" (30", 36", 48" special order) is harvested, the fabric is removed and, once planted, is provided the benefit of having a great majority of the root system not only intact, but well branched and equipped to establish into the surrounding soil horizontally rather than just downward.