Tree care: Using mycorrhizas when transplanting trees

The fungi are also used in transplanting trees. Which fungi are suitable for this and are widely used worldwide?

Ownership
In the second edition of this trade magazine, Pius Floris, currently working at Plant Health Cure in Oisterwijk, said that mycorrhizas should be used when planting every tree. “And when transplanting, the need to use these fungi is even greater!” he says when asked. 'But unfortunately this necessity is not seen everywhere. You can't talk about tree health and care without talking about mycorrhizas. Every arborist and gardener should understand the importance of these root fungi, but unfortunately they often only look above ground and not underground. They often do not feel responsible for trees during or after planting or transplanting. Under the motto: “I stick to the specifications”, they do not feel any ownership, with all the associated costs.'

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Planted oak after a year without mycorrhiza

Planted oak after one year with mycorrhiza

Beech hedges
Which mycorrhizas are suitable to use according to Floris? “The ectomycorrhiza that will grow first on almost all conifers, oaks, beech and other ectomycorrhizal species is Telephora terrestris,” he says. 'It's common all over the world. The disadvantage of this form of ectomycorrhiza is that it thrives on disturbed soils and on nurseries, but has virtually no added value. That is why we recommend using the spores of the paint spray fungus when planting. This mycorrhiza species contributes greatly to better growth and good growth. The paint spray fungus only lives on the roots for a maximum of six months. It is then displaced by the mycorrhizal fungi that predominate in the neighborhood or region. But after that six months, the trees and beech hedges are well established. Ectomycorrhizas are not faithful allies of trees. Sometimes there are many, sometimes few, or they are displaced by other species. That is also the reason that in some years there are many mushrooms under trees and in other years there are no mushrooms or other species.'

 

'Only one new root needs to come into contact with Treestart and the mycorrhiza is spread massively via the fungal threads'

 

Tea bags
“Treestart is a product that already contains the paint dust fungus,” Floris continues. 'These are a kind of tea bags that you throw at the bottom of the planting hole, a kind of goodie bags for the roots. Only one new root needs to come into contact with Treestart and the mycorrhiza is immediately spread en masse via the fungal threads. It is a very user-friendly product. In large planting projects from China to Central Africa, Treestart is used to plant one- or two-year-old seedlings.'

'Another product is 'Treesaver Transplant', Floris continues. 'It has been a successful product among serious gardeners and tree care professionals for over twenty years. You mix a bag with sixty liters of the filling soil that is used to fill the planting hole. The results are correct. Mycordip is also a product that is very well known among gardeners. It is ideal for planting root crops, such as young trees and hedges. The product is universally applicable for trees and plant material due to the combination of endo- and ectomycorrhiza. Mycorrhizal fungi colonize the roots under various conditions, significantly increasing the absorption capacity and improving the attack. In addition, trees and shrubs with mycorrhiza are incredibly drought-resistant.'

 

 

Planted oak after 10 years without mycorrhiza (April 2020)

Planted oak after 10 years with mycorrhiza (April 2020)

Fast root growth
Naked-rooted plants are many times more sensitive to transplanting. Mycordip Universal forms a natural microfilm with bacteria and fungi. 'This product also ensures a quick attack and new root formation,' adds Floris. 'Humic acids and seaweed extracts stimulate rapid root growth. The combination of mycorrhiza and rhizobacteria restores the essential biology in planting holes that has been disturbed by soil cultivation. Studies show that long-term growth differences are significant. This is due to the larger absorption range, the nutrient density and the access to the capillary water.'
“If you look in general and when transplanting at the differences between trees that have and have not used mycorrhizas, you will clearly see differences,” says Floris.

 

Mycordip Universal forms a natural microfilm with bacteria and fungi

 

Drought
“I often hear persistent rumours,” says Floris. 'For example, the use of mycorrhiza in planting or transplanting makes no sense because mycorrhizas are selective. Really and truly? Then explain to me how it is possible that there are more than 3,000 species of ectomycorrhiza that grow on literally twelve tree species. And how is it possible that fewer than a hundred species of endomycorrhiza have to be selective on more than 460,000 plant species? I would like to start the discussion, but these types of discussions are often held to avoid having to change. For my work I only need to understand roots and soil. There is no organism on earth that can do anything on its own. This also applies to plants. Mycorrhiza in or on roots is just as normal as chlorophyll in leaves. But until this is properly understood, we will continue to suffer high and costly losses and continue to blame the increasing drought.'

 

'If a tree is on long tree poles, root growth lags dramatically'

 

Pruning tight
Finally, Pius gives the following advice: never plant trees with long tree poles. 'If a tree is on long tree poles, root growth lags dramatically; that has been proven. This means there is less absorption capacity and the tree must therefore be watered more often. Because the tree is restrained, it does not spend energy on root and trunk development. The growth energy is then used for crown growth. If the long poles are removed after five years, the tree will quickly become crooked. The following also applies to trees: function creates tissue. Trees should be pruned tightly between two or three short tree posts, which should be removed consistently after two years. There are so many opinions about tree poles. And no, this does not make trees more susceptible to vandalism. On the contrary!'

 

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