RootMaker
® Bags designed specifically for tree growers include the RootTrapper
® Grounder™. This RootMaker
® Grow Bag has the patented bi-layer sidewall to reduce heat damage from the sun and outside temperatures. The base is constructed of knit fabric with 5/64” openings to allow narrow roots to penetrate and tack in the soil. This is desirable for growers in windy locations who desire better container stability to avoid blow over. RootMaker bags with the base design are also the best choice for nurseries and tree farms that must overwinter in colder climates. Freezing does not kill roots, but cold temperatures do. The patented design of all RootMaker
® Bags stimulates natural root pruning. This root pruning creates a dense root branching system 4” back from the sides of the grow bag. At this point, cold temperatures will not affect the roots. The roots at the base are protected from the warmth of the soil where they have penetrated.
Fabric Construction of Rootmaker® Bags
The RootTrapper
® Grounder™ grow bag is constructed of a synthetic bi-layer fabric on the sidewall. The inside of the grow bag is a wooly needle felt. The exterior of the grow bag is laminated with a white polypropylene coating that keeps the roots cool and protected from sun and summer heat. This patented design traps the roots within the container signaling to the plant to grow more lateral roots. The base knit fabric material allows roots to tack into the soil and reclaim water and nutrient runoff.
RootMaker® Bags vs Porous Fabric Grow Pots
Containers made of porous fabric have been studied and found to have water loss rates two to three times greater than conventional plastic pots. This is due to 100% of the circumference evaporating water and not just the surface. In addition, the porous fabric containers turned green with algae near the bottom and white with salts above. The soluble salts come from fertilizers used in the growth medium and irrigation water. The RootTrapper
® Grounder™ conserves water from excessive seeping from the sidewalls and does not experience these issues.
RootTrapper® Bags Offerings
The RootTrapper
® bags are available in five different styles to accommodate various production set-ups, plant species and growing environments:
RootTrapper® Bags – Bi-layer fabric sidewall and base. Most efficient water conservation design. Available from 5” up to 500-gallon capacity.
RootTrapper® II Bags – Bi-layer fabric sidewall EXCEPT for the bottom 2”. Only the felt fabric is exposed at the bottom 2” which will increase drainage and aeration. This will not cause excessive evaporation or water loss. Base is bi-layer fabric. Available from 5” up to 300-gallon capacity.
RootTrapper® Grounder™ Bags – Bi-layer fabric sidewall with porous knit base. This allows roots to penetrate and tack to the ground to greatly reduce blow over and reclaim some water and nutrient runoff. Available from 3-gallon up to 60-gallon capacity.
RootTrapper® In-Pot Bags - Bi-layer fabric sidewall and base. Custom-made to fit the dimensions of your socket pot. Available from 3-gallon up to 45-gallon capacity.
Pot Licker® Grow Bags - Bi-layer fabric sidewall no base material under 15 gallons, above 15 gallons bi-layer fabric base. Use as inserts of above-ground in-pot use. Available from 1-gallon up to 45-gallon capacity.