How is Florida 'field-grown' oak typically delivered to a site?

Florida 'field-grown' oak is typically delivered to a site balled and burlapped. This method is advantageous for several reasons.

When trees are harvested from the field, they are dug up with a portion of their root system intact, which is then wrapped in burlap. This technique helps to protect the roots during transport and encourages a higher success rate when planting. Balled and burlapped trees retain more soil around their roots, providing the necessary nutrients and moisture the trees need to acclimate to their new environment once planted. Additionally, this method facilitates easier handling and planting on site, as it allows for the tree to be set into the ground with a reduced disruption to its root system.

The other methods of delivery, such as bare-root seedlings or seedlings in plastic pots, do not provide the same level of root protection or stability, which can lead to higher transplant shock and lower survivability rates. Large, pre-set concrete containers are typically not used for field-grown oaks as they are more suited for cultivated trees and can restrict root growth in the long term. Thus, the balled and burlapped delivery method is the most appropriate and effective choice for field-grown oaks.