What Are Rootballed Pleached Trees?

1. Rootballed Trees:

   • These are trees dug from the ground with their roots and surrounding soil intact, wrapped in biodegradable material (e.g., hessian or burlap) to protect the root system during transport and planting.
   • This method preserves much of the tree's root system.

2. Pleached Trees:

   • These are trees trained to grow with a clear trunk and a horizontal framework of branches that have been pruned and tied, often on bamboo or metal frames.
   • They are shaped to create flat, two-dimensional "screens" or "panels" of foliage above the trunk.

Applications in Landscaping

• Screening and Privacy: They are perfect for screening unsightly views or creating privacy without taking up too much ground space.
• Design and Architecture: Pleached trees bring a formal, structured aesthetic to gardens, often used in rows to line pathways or define boundaries.
• Windbreaks: Their dense foliage can act as a windbreak when used in rows.

Advantages of Rootballed Pleached Trees

• Mature Appearance: They are often sold semi-mature or mature, providing an immediate impact in landscaping.
• Sustainable Planting: The biodegradable wrapping eliminates plastic waste and allows the roots to grow through it after planting.
• Variety of Species: Many species are suitable for pleaching, such as hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), lime (Tilia), or cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus).

Care and Maintenance

• Planting: Ensure proper spacing and plant in well-prepared soil. The rootball should be at the same depth as it was in the ground originally.
• Watering: Rootballed trees need thorough watering after planting and during the first few years as they establish.
• Pruning: Regular pruning is essential to maintain the pleached structure and encourage dense growth.
• Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer to support growth during the establishment phase.

Considerations

• Seasonality: Rootballed trees are generally available in late autumn through winter when they are dormant.
• Weight: They can be heavy due to the soil surrounding the roots, so professional handling may be needed.