What is it?
A root feeder is a vessel that is the purposely build to the height of the young aerial root . When the young aerial root is placed in the vessel with a special soil blend, they are tricked in thinking that they have touched the grown and start accelerating in growth.
Why aerial roots are important?
The aerial roots are produced in this case, by a ficus tree for a number of reasons once they are mature.
- Help support large branches,
- Help with the supply of nutrients to branches,
- If the tree falls, the aerial roots form the new growth region (or makeshift trunk)
The main point is helping the tree growing even it happens to fall down. This is particularly important for the older, heritage trees, like this ficus, which is roughly 100 years old. Such trees may often have some areas of decay in their trunks which increases their chances of falling. If something happens to this tree, the aerial roots will be able to support the weight of the branches acting as natural prop, so the tree will be able to survive – just in a different form of two independent trees. This ficus is now “protected” – should a fall occur, instead of being removed completely, this tree will continue growing and keep the region green.
Installation
Just recently our team from Wacol and Gladstone depot’s undertook future proofing of a Heritage listed Ficus tree in Apex Park, Gladstone. The Ficus tree presented large amounts of decay within the trunk, which may of lead to the tree splitting in half.
Treescape has now installed five cycler root feeders to young aerial roots dropping from significant limbs. Installing these feeders will aid in the young aerial roots to grow and strengthen faster.
It’s not often the crews receive feedback as it’s the normal day to day work, they perform. But this is a well done to the team of Robert Merkel, Morgan Harris, David Von Landkammer, Evan Gwerder and Merv Austin.
Contact Us to know how we can work with the trees in your region.
