Grade Standards

Our Company Grade Standards follow the American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2014) published by American Horticulture Industry Association.

TREE "WHIPS"

Whips are immature shade trees that are used either in field plantings or grown to a larger size in containers. Whip refers to the fact that there is little or no lateral branching on the main trunk. Whips are normally 2 years old when grown from cuttings or seedlings and in the case of budded varieties they normally have a 1 year top and a 2 year root system. Whips shall have straight, sturdy trunks and a well-developed root system. Caliper measurements of whips may vary according to species. Lateral branches in the lower 40% of the total tree height shall be removed while any branches in the upper stem shall be left on to increase tree caliper.

BARE ROOT

The term “bare root” refers to having roots cleared of soil in preparation for transplanting. Stem caliper measurements shall be taken at six inches above the soil surface in trees grown on their own root and above the bud union in budded trees. Surface Select 1Yr Br are small, neatly branched trees normally 2 years old when grown from cuttings or seedlings and in the case of budded varieties they normally have a 1 year top and a 2 year root system. Specifically produced to fit smaller (13”w x 11”ht) container tree pots, grown with straight, sturdy trunks, a well developed root system, 6 or more branches, and typically average 5 -7’ in height.

TOPWORKED

Topworked (high graft or ground bud) and Weeping Trees are compact, dwarf or weeping varieties, grown with a straight main trunk. Examples include but are not limited to crabapples and cherries. The graft height or heading height shall be specified along with grade size which shall be based on both head size and stem caliper.– #1 Light grades shall have fewer and/or shorter branches and/or less stem caliper than the #1 grade.– Heavy grades shall have longer branches and/or more stem caliper than the #1 grade.

SPECIMEN LINERS

Specimen Liners are large, light branched trees which are 4 years old, grown from seedlings and having a 2 year top and a 4 year undercut root system. Specifically produced for the caliper tree grower who desires branch free trunks to 6’, grown high topped at 7’ with straight, sturdy trunks and a well developed root system. The grade size shall be based on stem caliper.