Physiological and horticultural aspects of the use of treeshelters in the California landscape

The objective of this two-year study was to determine the effect of treeshelters on root development and dry-matter partitioning of seven tree species common to the western United States. [UMN]

"Seven tree species commonly used in California were grown from liners with or without treeshelters in the landscape for two years. Periodic (approximately every two months) height and caliper measurements were taken and, at the end of the two years, all trees were harvested for fresh and dry biomass determinations. Response to the treeshelter microenvironment was species dependent. Height was greater for sheltered than for unsheltered trees during the first 30 to 250 days for all species. After two years, only Ginkgo biloba and Pinus canariensis tress grown in shelters were taller than their unsheltered counterparts. Stem caliper was often reduced for sheltered trees. Treeshelters reduced top dry mass of Faxinus latifolia, Platanus racemosa, Quercus agrifolia, and Q. lobata and also reduced root dry mass, root:shoot ratio, total root length, and total root area for all species and cultivars except Q. agrifolia. The results are explained on the basis of the microenvironment in and around treeshelters, photosynthetic partitioning, and immobilization of plants growing in shelters. Treeshelters may be useful for tree establishment in the landscape but should be removed once the tree has grown out of it. Staking likely will be required after removal of the treeshelter. Management challenges and potential usefulness of treeshelters in landscape transplanting are also discussed." [Abstract]

[San Francisco, Mar. 5-6, 1998]

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