NVTF

Our Focus

Plant Material

  We utilize quality plant material obtained from premier growers in Oregon and Michigan. Selected for successful growth in our temperate zone, vigorous root systems and appropriate cultural practices in order to give the plant a good start here in Iowa. The plant stock is stored in moist sawdust until planted.
Typical bareroot tree we use showing a fiberous root system - click to enlarge
Our deep ripper which ripped the tree row twice before we planted - click to enlarge

Ground Preparation

  In preparation to planting, the soil is ripped to a three foot depth,  ripped again at eight inch depth with eight inch spacing and then tilled in order to allow the tree or shrub to quickly establish a strong, fibrous and penetrating root system. 

Planting

Prior to planting, the bare root trees are attached to a cane in order to promote straight and wind protected trees.
Each cane, bamboo or fiberglass, has a measured red mark where the bud point is placed when the tree is attached.
Precision drilled holes allow the caned tree to be planted ensuring the bud point is the proper heigth above ground.
Typical rows of planted trees showing the ground between rows graded, tilled and seeded to provide a cover crop and reduce erosion - click to enlarge
The cane and tree are attached to ensure a strong, straight trunk - click to enlarge

Training

 With the cane, the tree's trunk is trained straight while growing.
As the leader develops, the new growth is attached to the cane in order to continue the training process.
Once the tree's height exceeds the cane and the trunk is strong, the cane is removed which further strengthens the trunk.

Pruning

Throughout the growing season and all year long, the bulk of labor hours are spent on pruning and training. With proper trunk and leader development by training, pruning is done to enhance branch structure, leader development, spur growth, and shape the tree. Root pruning is done by cutting the roots within the dimensions of the final ball width.
Autumn Blaze maples that reflect our tedious pruning and training techniques - click to enlarge
Rows of young maples in early fall after we placed protective tubes around their trunk - click to enlarge

Growing

Maintaining all aspects of the growth is a year around process. All plants are on an automated drip irrigation system. Wildlife protection is achieved with a 9' perimeter fence. Fertilization, herbicide, and pest/disease management systems are in place. Protection from sunscald and frost cracks is provided by using white, sun reflective tubes during winter months.

Harvest

Size, canopy development, root system, dormancy and overall health of the tree are factors taken into account before we will dig, ball and burlap a tree or shrub.
Maintaining a strong root ball that can withstand travel, handling and transplant are very important in delivering a quality tree. Aftercare in our holding yard ensures the success of the harvest.
A tree spade is used to dig trees during dormancy - click to enlarge
A customer site which demostrates our tree planting techniques to maintain a perfectly upright tree until the tree has had time to firmly root. We also mulch around the trunk to eliminate weeds and retain moisture - click to enlarge

Customer planting and aftercare

When requested, we plant and care for our trees at the customer's site. Proper planting, staking, watering, fertilization and additional pruning is done as long as needed to ensure the tree develops properly and will survive in the long term.