Testing the tree stock standard
The Australian standard for producing quality landscape trees ensures a nationally consistent benchmark for quality tree stock for landscape use. A component of the current standard focusing on root to shoot balance criteria can be influenced by the climate trees are grown in, the species of tree, the treatment they receive in the nursery, and regional differences in their performance. In 2016-2017, researchers assessed 13,820 trees in 23 wholesale nurseries to see how well Australian Standard 2303:2015 Tree Stock for Landscape Use applies to trees of different species and climates in nurseries across the country, with specific emphasis on tree stock balance and size index equations. This Nursery Paper looks at the findings of their research and their recommendation that the current standard is modified.