AMERICAN STANDARD

FOR NURSERY STOCK

ANSI Z60.1–2004

Approved May 12, 2004

DEDICATION

in memory of Ronnie Swaim, Gilmore Plant & Bulb Co., Inc. (NC)

Copyright 2004 by American Nursery & Landscape Association

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or

mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in

writing from the publisher.

American Nursery & Landscape Association

1000 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 300

Washington, DC 20005

www.anla.org

ISBN 1-890148-06-7

Foreword ..................................................................... i

Container size specifications .................................... ii

Container class table .............................................. iii

In-ground fabric bag specifications........................... iii

How to use this publication ...........................................iv

Horticultural standards committee...................................vi

Canvass list ................................................................vii

Section1: Shade and Flowering Trees

1.1.1 Required specifications ........................................ 1

1.1.1.1 Plant size intervals............................................ 1

1.1.1.2 Methods of caliper and height measurement........ 1

1.1.2 Optional specifications and quality designations..... 2

1.1.2.1 Height and caliper ........................................... 2

1.1.2.2 Transplanting requirements................................ 2

1.1.2.3 Specimen or quality grade designation............... 2

1.1.2.4 Height of branching—street trees ....................... 2

1.1.2.5 Trees for other uses........................................... 3

1.2.1 Type 1 shade trees .............................................. 3

1.2.2 Type 2 shade trees .............................................. 5

1.2.3 Type 3 small upright trees .................................... 6

1.2.4 Type 4 small spreading trees ................................ 7

1.3.1 Shrub form trees ................................................. 8

1.3.1.1 Definition ........................................................ 8

1.3.1.2 Specification ................................................... 9

1.3.1.3 Measurement................................................... 9

1.3.2 Clump form and multi-stem trees............................ 9

1.3.2.1 Definitions ....................................................... 9

1.3.2.2 Specification ................................................. 10

1.3.2.2.1 Clump form trees......................................... 10

1.3.2.2.2 Multi-stem trees ........................................... 10

1.3.2.3 Caliper measurements—clump form and multi-stem

trees ..................................................................... 10

1.3.2.4 Root ball sizes—shrub form, clump form and multistem

trees.............................................................. 11

1.3.2.4.1 Root ball diameters—shrub form trees............ 11

1.3.2.4.2 Root ball diameters—clump form trees ........... 11

1.3.2.4.2 Root ball diameters—multi-stem trees ............. 11

1.5.1 Nursery grown—spread of roots......................... 13

1.5.2 Collected—spread of roots................................. 14

1.6.1 Root ball diameters—field grown trees................. 15

1.6.2 Trunk in center of root ball................................. 17

1.6.3 Root ball depths ................................................ 17

1.6.4 Burlapping ....................................................... 18

1.6.5 Ball-supporting devices ...................................... 18

1.6.6 Collected ......................................................... 18

1.6.7 Plantation grown............................................... 19

1.6.8 Field potted or field boxed ................................. 19

CONTENTS

AMERICAN NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

1.6.9 Processed balled............................................... 19

1.6.10 Use of digging machines ................................ 19

Figure 1—Caliper and branching height......................... 3

Figure 2—Measurement—type 2 shade trees .................. 5

Figure 3—Type 3 small upright trees............................... 6

Figure 4—Type 4 small spreading trees .......................... 7

Figure 5— Multi-stem, clump form, and shrub form trees ...11

Figure 6—Palms......................................................... 13

Figure 7—Measurement—field grown trees ................... 14

Figure 8—Example: trunk in center of root ball .............. 17

Figure 9—Measurement of root ball depths ................... 18

Table 1—Height/caliper relationship for type 1 shade trees ....4

Table 2—Height, caliper, and branching relationships—

type 3 small upright trees ......................................... 6

Table 3—Branching—type 4 small spreading trees........... 7

Table 4—Root ball sizes for shrub form and multi-stem trees...12

Table 5—Caliper/height/root spread relationship—

nursery grown bare root trees................................. 13

Table 6—Root ball diameters—field grown trees ............ 16

Table 7—Root ball diameters—processed balled trees .... 19

Table 8—Container class guidelines—shade and

flowering trees...................................................... 20

Table 9—Fabric bag sizes-trees ................................... 22

Section 2: Deciduous Shrubs

2.1.1—Required specifications .................................... 23

2.1.1.1 Plant size intervals.......................................... 23

2.1.1.2 Definition of “cane”........................................ 23

2.1.1.3 Spread and height measurements .................... 23

2.1.2 Optional specifications and quality designations... 24

2.1.2.1 Minimum number of canes .............................. 24

2.1.2.2 Transplanting or root pruning .......................... 24

2.1.2.3 Specimen designation .................................... 24

2.2.1 Type 0—Tender shrubs....................................... 24

2.2.2 Type 1—Small or dwarf .................................... 25

2.2.3 Type 2—Intermediate ........................................ 26

2.2.4 Type 3—Large or tall ......................................... 27

2.3.1 Nursery grown—spread of roots......................... 28

2.3.2 Collected—spread of roots................................. 29

2.4.1 Root ball diameters—field grown deciduous shrubs ...29

2.4.2 Plant in center of root ball .................................. 30

2.4.3 Root ball depths ................................................ 31

2.4.4 Burlapping ....................................................... 31

2.4.5 Ball supporting devices ...................................... 31

2.4.6 Field potted plants............................................. 31

2.4.7 Processed balled plants...................................... 32

2.4.8 Collected plants ................................................ 32

2.4.9 Plantation grown plants ..................................... 32

2.4.10 Use of digging machines ................................ 32

Figure 10—Types of deciduous shrubs.......................... 27

Figure 11—Typical type 2 intermediate deciduous shrubs ...28

Figure 12—Center of plant in center of root ball ............ 30

Figure 13—Measurement of field grown deciduous shrubs....30

Figure 14—Ball depths: field grown deciduous shrubs .... 31

Table 10—Height or spread relationship to number of canes

and spread of roots or root ball diameter—

type 0 deciduous shrubs ........................................ 25

Table 11—Height or spread relationship to number of canes

and spread of roots or root ball diameter—

type 1 deciduous shrubs ........................................ 26

AMERICAN NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Table 12— Height or spread relationship to number of

canes and spread of roots or root ball diameter—

type 2 deciduous shrubs ........................................ 26

Table 13—Height or spread relationship to number of canes

and spread of roots or root ball diameter —

type 3 deciduous shrubs ........................................ 28

Table 14—Container class guidelines—deciduous shrubs....33

Table 15—Fabric bag sizes—deciduous shrubs ............. 34

Section 3: Coniferous Evergreens

3.1.1 Required specifications ...................................... 35

3.1.1.1 Plant size intervals.......................................... 35

3.1.1.2 Spread and height measurements .................... 35

3.1.2 Shearing designations ....................................... 36

3.1.3 Determining root ball, container, or fabric bag size ...37

3.1.4 Optional specifications and quality designations... 37

3.1.4.1 Height and spread ......................................... 37

3.1.4.2 Transplanting or root pruning .......................... 37

3.1.4.3 Specimen or quality grade designation, collected

stock.................................................................... 38

3.1.4.4 Minimum or maximum caliper ......................... 38

3.1.5 Dwarf conifers .................................................. 38

3.2.1 Type 1 creeping or prostrate .............................. 38

3.2.2 Type 2 semi-spreading....................................... 38

3.2.3 Type 3 broad spreading, globe, and compact upright... 39

3.2.4 Type 4 cone type (pyramidal) ............................. 40

3.2.5 Type 5 broad upright......................................... 42

3.2.6 Type 6 columnar type ........................................ 43

3.3.1 Root ball diameters—field grown coniferous

evergreens ......................................................... 44

3.3.1.1 Natural and semi-sheared ............................... 47

3.3.1.2 Sheared........................................................ 47

3.3.1.3 Dwarf varieties .............................................. 47

3.3.2 Trunk in center of ball ........................................ 47

3.3.3 Ball depths ...................................................... 47

3.3.4 Burlapping ....................................................... 48

3.3.5 Ball supporting devices ...................................... 48

3.3.6 Collected ......................................................... 48

3.3.7 Plantation grown.............................................. 49

3.3.8 Field potted ...................................................... 49

3.3.9 Use of digging machines ................................... 49

Figure 15—Measurement—types 1 and 2 coniferous

evergreens ........................................................... 36

Figure 16—Measurement—type 3 coniferous evergreens....40

Figure 17—Measurement —type 4 coniferous evergreens...41

Figure18—Determining average height —type 4 coniferous

evergreens ........................................................... 42

Figure 19—Measurement—type 5 coniferous evergreens....43

Figure 20—Measurement —type 6 coniferous evergreens...44

Figure 21—Example: trunk in center of earth ball........... 47

Figure 22—Ball depths—coniferous evergreens ............. 48

Table 16—Type 3 coniferous evergreens....................... 40

Table 17—Type 4 coniferous evergreens....................... 41

Table 18—Type 5 coniferous evergreens....................... 42

Table 19—Type 6 coniferous evergreens....................... 43

Table 20—Ball sizes—coniferous evergreens ................. 46

Table 21—Container class guidelines—natural,

semi-sheared, or lightly sheared evergreens.............. 50

Table 22—Fabric bag sizes—coniferous evergreens....... 52

Section 4: Broadleaf Evergreens

4.1.1 Required specifications ...................................... 53

4.1.1.1 Plant size intervals.......................................... 53

4.1.1.2 Spread and height measurements .................... 53

4.1.2 Shearing designations ....................................... 54

4.1.3 Determining root ball, container, or fabric bag size ...54

4.1.4 Optional specifications and quality designations... 55

4.1.4.1 Height and spread ......................................... 55

4.1.4.2 Transplanting or root pruning .......................... 55

4.1.4.3 Specimen or quality grade designation,

collected stock ....................................................... 55

4.1.4.4 Minimum or maximum caliper ......................... 55

4.1.5 Dwarf broadleaf evergreens ............................... 55

4.2.1 Type 1—Spreading type .................................... 56

4.2.2 Type 2—Semi-spreading type ............................. 56

4.2.3 Type 3—Broad spreading, globe, or compact

upright type.......................................................... 57

4.2.4 Type 4—Broad upright type ............................... 58

4.2.5 Type 5—Cone type ........................................... 59

4.2.6 Type 6—Columnar type ..................................... 60

4.3.1 Root ball diameters—field grown broadleaf

evergreens ........................................................... 61

4.3.1.2 Sheared........................................................ 63

4.3.1.3 Dwarf varieties .............................................. 63

4.3.2 Trunk in center of ball ....................................... 63

4.3.3 Ball depths ...................................................... 63

4.3.4 Burlapping ...................................................... 64

4.3.5 Ball supporting devices ...................................... 64

4.3.6 Collected ......................................................... 64

4.3.7 Plantation grown............................................... 65

4.3.8 Field potted ..................................................... 65

4.3.9 Use of digging machines .................................. 65

Figure 23—Measurement—type 1 broadleaf evergreens ....56

Figure 24— Measurement—type 2 broadleaf evergreens ...57

Figure 25—Measurement—type 3 broadleaf evergreens ....58

Figure 26—Measurement—type 4 broadleaf evergreens ....59

Figure 27—Measurement—type 5 broadleaf evergreens ....60

Figure 28—Example: trunk in center of earth ball........... 63

Figure 29—Ball depth measurement ............................. 64

Table 23—Type 3 broadleaf evergreens ....................... 57

Table 24—Type 4 and 5 broadleaf evergreens .............. 58

Table 25—Type 6 broadleaf evergreens ....................... 60

Table 26—Ball sizes—broadleaf evergreens.................. 62

Table 27—Container class guidelines—natural, semi, or

lightly sheared ..................................................... 66

Table 28—Fabric bag sizes—types 4 and 5 broadleaf

evergreens ........................................................... 67

Section 5: Rose Grades

5.4.1 Large grower.................................................... 70

5.4.2 Small grower.................................................... 70

5.4.3 Root system ...................................................... 71

5.5.1 Standard tree rose 36” (91 cm) ....................... 71

5.5.2 Patio tree rose 18 inches (50 cm)...................... 71

5.5.3 Mini-tree rose—(miniature varieties).................... 71

Figure 30—Hybrid tea, tea, grandiflora, etc., roses ....... 69

Figure 31—Climbing roses.......................................... 69

Figure 32—Polyantha roses......................................... 70

Figure 33—Floribunda roses ....................................... 70

Figure 34—Tree roses ................................................ 72

Section 6: Young Plants

AMERICAN NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

6.1.1 Cultural history or age specifications ................... 73

6.1.1.1 Propagation and cultural history codes ............ 73

6.1.2 Quality definition ............................................. 74

6.1.3 Unrooted cuttings ............................................. 74

6.1.5 Pruning ........................................................... 74

6.3.1 Slow grower (dwarf and semi-dwarf).................. 75

6.3.2 Medium grower ............................................... 75

6.3.3 Fast grower ..................................................... 75

6.4.1 Type 1—No stems............................................ 75

6.4.2 Type 2—Single stem......................................... 75

6.4.2.1 Spreading..................................................... 75

6.4.2.2 Semi-spreading.............................................. 76

6.4.2.3 Globe........................................................... 76

6.4.2.4 Medium upright ............................................. 76

6.4.2.5 Upright ........................................................ 76

6.4.3 Type 3—Stoloniferous....................................... 76

6.4.4 Type 4—Rhizomatous, tuberous, or fibrous roots ....76

6.4.5 Type 5—Fans .................................................. 76

6.4.6 Type 6—Bulbs, corms ....................................... 77

6.4.7 Type 7—Vines ................................................. 77

6.4.8 Conifer plantation and reforestation plants .......... 77

6.6.1 Plug cell specifications ....................................... 77

Section 7: Fruit Tree Grades

7.1.1 Quality definition ............................................. 78

7.1.2 Cultural designations ........................................ 78

7.1.2.1 Unrooted cuttings .......................................... 78

7.2.1 Deciduous ....................................................... 79

7.2.2 General .......................................................... 79

7.2.3 Processed balled.............................................. 80

7.2.4 Fruit seedlings.................................................. 81

7.2.4.1 Caliper measurement..................................... 81

7.2.4.2 Special specification...................................... 81

7.2.4.3 Vegetatively propagated/micropropagated fruit

stock.................................................................... 81

7.2.4.3.1 Special specification (root system) ................. 81

7.2.5 Citrus ............................................................. 82

Table 29—Height/caliper relationship for standard apple,

sweet cherry, peach, almond, nectarine, pear, apricot,

prune, and plum (one and two years) ...................... 79

Table 30—Height/caliper relationship for standard sourcherry

and dwarf peach, pear, nectarine, apricot, prune

and plum (on clonal rootstock only) ......................... 80

Table 31—Height/caliper relationship for dwarf apple

(including clonal rootstock and interstem trees).......... 80

Table 32—Ball sizes—processed balled fruit trees .......... 81

Table 33—Apple rootstocks/interstems ......................... 82

Table 34—Pear rootstocks........................................... 83

Table 35—Peach, nectarine, and almond rootstocks....... 83

Table 36—Plum and apricot rootstocks ......................... 84

Table 37—Cherry rootstocks ....................................... 84

Section 8: Small Fruits

8.1.1 Quality definitions ............................................ 85

8.1.2 Designation..................................................... 85

8.1.2.1 Unrooted cuttings .......................................... 85

8.2.1 Raspberries ..................................................... 86

8.2.1.1 Sucker and root cutting plants......................... 86

AMERICAN NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

8.2.2 Transplanted raspberries ................................... 86

8.2.3 Dewberries, blackberries, boysenberries,

youngberries ........................................................ 86

8.2.3.1 Root cuttings.................................................. 86

8.2.4 Transplanted blackberries .................................. 86

8.2.5 Currants........................................................... 86

8.2.6 Blueberries ...................................................... 87

8.2.7 Gooseberries................................................... 87

8.2.8 Grape vines ..................................................... 87

8.2.9 Strawberry plants.............................................. 87

8.2.10 Asparagus crowns .......................................... 87

Figure 35—Strawberries—minimum requirements .......... 88

Section 9: Understock

9.1.1 Quality definition ............................................. 89

9.1.2 Designation..................................................... 89

9.1.2.1 Unrooted cuttings ......................................... 90

9.2.1 Measurement designation ................................. 90

9.3.1 Fruit and nut seedlings—seed-propagated stock ... 90

9.3.1.1 Seedlings with limbs ...................................... 90

9.3.1.2 Root descriptions........................................... 90

9.3.2 Vegetatively propagated plants.......................... 91

9.3.2.1 From layering ............................................... 91

9.3.2.2 Hardwood cuttings........................................ 91

9.3.2.3 Softwood cuttings.......................................... 91

9.3.3 Unclassified...................................................... 91

Section 10: Seedling Trees and Shrubs

10.1.1 Quality definition ............................................ 93

10.1.2 Designation................................................... 93

10.2.1 Deciduous or hardwood ................................. 94

10.2.2 Coniferous evergreens .................................... 95

Table 38—Minimum heights and root lengths for seedling

calipers................................................................ 94

Table 39—Minimum calipers for seedling heights and root

lengths................................................................. 94

Table 40—Coniferous evergreen seedlings.................... 95

Section 11: Bulbs, Corms, and Tubers

11.19.1 Double nose ............................................... 100

AMERICAN NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

11.19.2 Round........................................................ 101

Section 12: Herbaceous Perennials,

Ornamental Grasses, Groundcovers,

and Vines

12.1.1 Types (form in which marketed):..................... 103

12.1.2 Propagation methods..................................... 103

12.1.3 Container grown plants ................................ 104

12.2.1 Astilbe ........................................................ 104

12.2.2 Dicentra—bleeding Heart ............................. 104

12.2.3 Hemerocallis—Daylily .................................. 104

12.2.4 Hosta ssp.—Funkia....................................... 105

AMERICAN NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

12.2.5 Iris ............................................................. 105

12.2.6 Paeonia—Peony .......................................... 105

12.2.7 Papaver orientale—0riental Poppy ................. 106

12.3 Other herbaceous perennials............................. 106

12.4 Ornamental grasses ......................................... 107

12.5 Groundcovers.................................................. 107

12.6 Vines .............................................................. 107

Figure 36—Examples of typical grades for Hemerocallis...105

Figure 37—Examples of typical sizes for Paeonia ........ 106

Section 13: Christmas Tree Standards...108

Appendix A: Glossary .............................................. 109

Appendix B: Metric equivalents ................................. 112

Appendix C: Letter of Recommendation ...................... 113

i

One of the early activities of the American Nursery & Landscape Association, formerly the American

Association of Nurserymen, was the development of a standardized system of sizing and describing

plants to facilitate the trade in nursery stock. Since 1921, the Association has maintained an active

committee on standards. Its first edition of "Horticultural Standards" was published in 1923. From time

to time, these standards were revised and expanded to meet the needs of the industry.

After World War II the Association elected to make the standards a national standard by adhering to the

Precautions of the American Standards Association. The first edition published under the Precautions of

the American Standards Association (forerunner of the current American National Standards Institute,

or “ANSI”) was published on June 22, 1949.

The revisions included in the 2004 edition were developed by the Association's Horticultural Standards

Committee from January, 1997, through May, 2003. The proposed revisions were then submitted to

interested national and regional societies, associations, companies, individuals, and government

agencies for their review and endorsement.

The following manuals are suggested for general nomenclature use:

Box 118, NL-2770 AC BOSKOOP, The Netherlands. 5th Revised Ed., 1995.

1996.

of Agricultural Sciences, University of California, February, 1979.

The following botanical manuals are suggested for nomenclature as well as descriptive and technical

data:

1971.

ii

If only container class is stated, the specification is incomplete, and the Standard does not provide a

corresponding minimum plant size (but see exception in Section 12 for certain perennials). Tables

throughout the Standard provide guidelines to determine the appropriate container class for the specified

plant size (See Tables 8, 14, 21, and 27).

Specifications: Properly written specifications in catalogues or contract documents that are intended to

be in accordance with the Standard must refer to a container class in accordance with the Container

Class Table shown below, using the “#” symbol. Containers marketed and sold that indicate a “trade”

or “#” designation must have volumes within the ranges shown in order to comply with the Standard.

However, parties to a transaction may agree that nursery stock will be in an “unclassified” container,

which is a container with a volume not included within the recommended container class volume ranges.

Relation of Container Classes with Imperial Volumes: Each container class includes a range of

acceptable container volumes, and is not limited to a single container volume (e.g., a certain number of

“gallons”). The volume ranges for container classes #1 through #100 include the volume of a container

that, if such a container were manufactured, would hold the equivalent number of gallons as the

container class number. Standard users should refer to container manufacturers’ volume specifications

Small Plant Containers (“SP” designation): Generally, containers commonly referenced in the industry

as ‘4-inch’ or ‘quart’ containers are #SP4 containers (1 qt. = 57.75 cubic inches). If growers, buyers or

specifiers include dimension measurements or imperial volume references, they are encouraged to also

specify ‘round’ or ‘square,’ and to reference the appropriate container classification in the Container

Retail Consumer Transactions: The Standard is only applicable to nursery stock transactions within the

trade, and does not apply to retail consumer transactions. The Standard does not recognize or sanction

the practice of using only an imperial volume or dimension measurement of a certain container to

purport to indicate the size of a plant in retail consumer transactions.

Wooden Box Size Equivalents: For purposes of the Container Class Table, wooden box size

“equivalent” indicates that a wooden box size may be specified in lieu of the indicated equivalent

container class, and nursery stock in an equivalent wooden box size shall be accepted in the trade as in

conformance with a specification for container-grown nursery stock in the equivalent container class

indicated, and vice-versa. Wooden boxes are not required to have volumes that are “equal to” or within

the volume range of the indicated equivalent container class, or vice-versa.

iii

#SP1 6.5 - 8.0 106 - 131

#SP2 13.0 - 15.0 213 - 246

#SP3 20.0 - 30.0 328 - 492

#SP4 51 - 63 836 - 1033

#SP5 93 - 136 1524 - 2229

#1 152 - 251 2492 - 4115

#2 320 - 474 5246 - 7770

#3 628 - 742 10285 - 12164

#5 785 - 1242 12860 - 20360

#7 1337 - 1790 21913 - 29343

#10 2080 - 2646 34090 - 43376

#15 2768 - 3696 45376 - 60589

#20 4520 - 5152 74096 - 84457 20-inch box

#25 5775 - 6861 94669 - 112472 24-inch box

#45 9356 – 11,434 153317 – 187377 36-inch box

#65 13514 - 16517 221456 – 246051 42-inch box

#95/100 20790 – 25410 340686 - 416394 48-inch box

Recommended minimum fabric bag diameters, depths and cubic volumes are as follows:

10 inches 11 inches 864 cubic inches

12 inches 11 inches 1244 cubic inches

14 inches 13 inches 2001 cubic inches

16 inches 13 inches 2614 cubic inches

18 inches 15 inches 3817 cubic inches

20 inches 15 inches 4712 cubic inches

22 inches 17 inches 6462 cubic inches

24 inches 17 inches 7691 cubic inches

iv

A. General Information.

The purpose of the American Standard for Nursery Stock is to provide buyers and

sellers of nursery stock with a common terminology in order to facilitate transactions

involving nursery stock. For instance, the standards establish common techniques for (a)

measuring plants, (b) specifying and stating the size of plants, (c) determining the proper

relationship between height and caliper, or height and width, and (d) determining whether

a root ball or container is large enough for a particular size plant. In other words, this

book is a communication tool, and does not provide buyers with any assurance of the

health or quality of the nursery stock being specified or sold.

In order to locate the specifications for a particular plant, you should know (a)

what type of plant it is, such as whether it is a shade or flowering tree, a coniferous or

broadleaf evergreen, a young plant (seedlings, ground covers, or lining out stock), a

perennial or bulb, etc., (b) the growth habit of the particular species, (e.g., upright,

conical, spreading, multi-stemmed, etc.), and (c) the method of production of the plant

and the manner in which the plant will be sold (e.g., balled and burlapped, bare root,

containerized, etc.).

B. Organization and Procedure

1. Locate the plant group to which the plant belongs. There are thirteen plant groups:

Shade and Flowering Trees, Deciduous Shrubs, Coniferous Evergreens, Broadleaf

Evergreens, Roses, Young Plants, Fruit Trees, Small Fruits, Understock, Seedlings,

Bulbs, Corms, and Tubers, Perennials, and Christmas Trees.

2. Locate the section within that plant group which most likely contains the type of

information you want to find. The first portion of each plant group section contains

general information on how the plants in that group are measured, the conventions

regarding how measurements are to be stated, and how different types of plants within

the plant group are divided. Each plant group is further divided depending on the most

important considerations for plants in that group. The sections for trees and shrubs, for

instance, are divided based on growth habit and methods of production and sale. Other

sections are divided based on propagation methods, specific plant families within the

plant group, or other factors.

Examples of plant types within certain plant groups are only to clarify the factors used to

determine plant types within each section. Only a few examples are listed, and are not

complete lists of all genera within each plant type. Users must have horticultural

knowledge or access to horticultural resources to determine the plant type of an unlisted

species.

v

3. If you are unable to locate the information under the first plant group selected, you

should go back to the Table of Contents and determine whether there may be another

plant group to which the plant belongs.

4. The Appendix provides both a glossary of terms used in the Standard as well as a

metric conversion table

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

vi

The ANLA Horticultural Standards Committee oversees the administration of the revisions to the

committee for various periods of time between 1997 and 2004:

Alan M. Jones, Manor View Farm Inc.

Bert T. Swanson, Swanson's Nursery Consulting Inc

Barry Hargrove, Southern Hills Country Club

Bradley F. Brown, Glacier Nursery Inc

Charles H. Huecker, Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower Inc

Dave Fujino, Hines Horticulture Inc

David Byers, Byers Wholesale Nursery Inc

David M. Taylor, Concord Nurseries Inc

E.B. Gee, III, Heartland Nursery Company

Earl F. Ervey, Blue Sterling Nursery

Edward F. Gilman, University of Florida

Frank E. Janosz, English Gardens Nursery

Frank Hopkins, Horticultural Materials/Systems Inc

Gary W. Watson, The Morton Arboretum

Hugh K. Steavenson, Forrest Keeling Nursery

J. Frank Schmidt, III, J Frank Schmidt & Son Co

Janet Rademacher, Monrovia Growers Inc

Joanne C. Kostecky, Joanne Kostecky GARDEN DESIGN Inc

Joe Burks, Certified Roses Inc

Joseph F. Jamison, Jr, Brandywine Nurseries Inc

Larry Burks, Certified Roses Inc

Leon Taylor, Greenleaf Nursery Co

Loren Blum, English Gardens Nursery

Louis Hillenmeyer, III, Louis’ Flower Power Shops

M.E. Gardner, Stribling’s Nurseries Inc

Mark Buchholz, Monrovia Growers Inc

Mark Dehmlow, Swede Valley Inc

Martha Simon Pindale, Bluemount Nurseries Inc

Paul Pagliarini, Central Nurseries Inc

R. Wayne Mezitt, Weston Nurseries Inc

Richard B. Campbell, Campbell’s Nursery & Garden Center

Richard Bocci, Carlton Plants

Richard J. Henkel, Princeton Horticultural Services

Robert Terry, Fisher Farms LLC

Roger F. Fick, Wilson Nurseries Inc

Ronald R. Amos, Evergreen Nursery Co Inc

Ronnie Swaim, Gilmore Plant & Bulb Co Inc

Steve Batka, Zelenka Nursery LLC

Thomas Pinney, Jr., Evergreen Nursery Co Inc

Timothy Bailey, Bailey Nurseries Inc

Todd Erickson, Meadow Lake Nursery Co

Tom Vanicek, Grow Northeast

William S. Stensson, Sheridan Nurseries Limited

ANLA Staff Administrator, Warren A. Quinn

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

vii

Consensus for this standard was achieved by use of the Canvass Method.

The following organizations participated in the revisions of this standard prior to submittal to

ANSI. Inclusion of this list does not necessarily imply that the organization concurred with the

submittal of the proposed standard to ANSI.

American Forests Historic Trees

Associated Landscape Contractors of America

Association of Professional Landscape Designers

Champ Tree Project

City of Frederick, Dept. of Public Works

Clark Nexsen

Colorado Dept. of Agriculture

Connecticut Dept. of Transportation

Dewberry & Davis, LLC

Fairplains Nursery

Home Nursery Inc

International Society of Arboriculture

Jackson & Perkins Wholesale

Kurt Bluemel Inc

Law's Nursery Inc

Lawyer Nursery Inc

National Garden Center Organization

National Landscape Association

North Carolina Department of Transportation

Nursery Supplies Inc

Oakland County MI Dept. of Facilities Management - Grounds Unit

Scarff's Nursery Inc

US National Arboretum

Valley Crest Tree Company

Westenberger Tree Service Inc

Wholesale Nursery Growers of America

Zelenka Nursery Inc

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

1

plant size, by height or caliper, as appropriate to the plant type.

shall include plant size, by height or caliper, as appropriate to the plant type, and container

class or box size.

and minimum fabric bag size.

Unless otherwise specified, all shade and flowering trees should be single-trunk.

sections, below.

size interval. That size will be the minimum size allowable for that size interval and shall

include plants from that size up to but not including the next larger size interval. Acceptable

size intervals for each plant type are shown in the appropriate plant type sections, below (see

Section 1.2). For instance, a specification for a “2.5 in. cal.” Type 1 shade tree references the

“2.5 to 3 inch” caliper size interval, while a specification for a “5 ft.” Type 4 spreading tree

references the “5-6 ft.” height size interval.

Height measurement shall be taken from ground level for field grown stock and from the soil

line for container grown stock, which should be at or near the top of the root flare.

Caliper measurement of the trunk shall be taken six inches above the ground up to and

including four-inch caliper size. If the caliper at six inches above the ground exceeds four

inches, the caliper should be measured at 12 inches above the ground.

Seldom are tree trunks perfectly round. The most accurate measurement will result from the

use of a diameter tape. Caliper measurements taken with manual or electronic “slot” or

“pincer” type caliper tools should be the average of the smallest and largest measurements.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

2

caliper shall take precedence over height if a height measurement is also provided.

height through 7-8’ size interval, then caliper in inches thereafter. Both height and caliper

measurement may be provided for all sizes.

trees, measurement indicates height in feet through 5-6’ size interval, then caliper in inches

thereafter. Both height and caliper measurement may be provided for all sizes.

Nursery stock shipped in accordance with the required specifications shall be deemed to be

acceptable within the terms of this section if it is typical in size and habit for the species in

the region of the country in which it is grown unless specifications include additional details.

Specifiers and buyers are encouraged to provide additional appropriately detailed descriptive

language to the extent that required specifications set forth in Section 1.1.1 do not provide

sufficient detail for a particular transaction.

If only height or caliper shall be specified, both height and caliper may be specified.

In certain landscapes, such as street tree or container plantings with limited soil availability,

or when the buyer desires a particularly well-formed root mass, specifications should include

the minimum number of times that nursery stock shall have been transplanted (e.g., “trans.

3x”) or root pruned. In such cases, nursery stock may be shipped with a root ball smaller

than that shown in Table 6, and the smaller root ball should be specified. Root ball sizes in

Table 6 are based on trees that have not been transplanted after they have been lined out in

the field, which is the typical and accepted practice in the industry.

When “specimen” or “quality grade” trees are called for in landscape specifications, the

desired characteristics shall be stated. Specifications should include deviations from

standard minimums for caliper, height, root ball diameter, container or box size, etc., as well

as other factors such as symmetry, crown width, fullness of branching, single or single

dominant leader, age, specialized pruning techniques, or uniqueness of the plant. The

determination of compliance with the term “specimen” shall be determined with reference to

the descriptive characteristics provided in the specifier’s or buyer’s specifications.

Bid specifications for trees for street plantings shall specify the height to which the tree

should be free of branching. The height of branching specification shall bear a relationship

to the size and kind of tree, so that the crown of the tree is in good balance with the trunk.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

3

branched 1 foot or more below the standard height and still provide proper clearance, which

is the purpose of this specification.

FIGURE 1 – Caliper and branching height

Where a certain form of growth is desired which is not in accordance with a natural growth

habit, this form should be so specified.

structure and to develop a more formal effect.

Table 1, below.

It is recognized that climatic conditions in different sections of the country produce trees of

different caliper-height proportions. Trees from one region of the country may have less

caliper in proportion to height while trees from another region may have greater caliper in

proportion to height than shown in the following table. The table below shows the average

height range and the typical maximum heights.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

4

½ in. 4 to 5 ft. 6 ft.

5/8 in. 5 to 6 ft. 8 ft.

¾ in. 6 to 8 ft. 10 ft.

1 in. 8 to 10 ft. 11 ft.

1 ¼ in. 8 to 10 ft. 12 ft.

1 ½ in. 10 to 12 ft. 14 ft.

1 ¾ in. 10 to 12 ft. 14 ft.

2 in. 12 to 14 ft. 16 ft.

2 ½ in. 12 to 14 ft. 16 ft.

3 in. 14 to 16 ft. 18 ft.

3 ½ in. 14 to 16 ft. 18 ft.

4 in. 16 to 18 ft. 22 ft.

4 ½ in. 16 to 18 ft. 22 ft.

5 in. 18 ft. and up 26 ft.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

5

Caliper measurements shall be 1/8-inch intervals from ½” through ¾”, ¼-inch intervals

through 1¾-2”, then ½-inch intervals through 5½-6”, then one-inch intervals through 9-10”,

then two-inch intervals from 10-12” and up. Decimal equivalents to fractions may be used.

For bare root and container-grown stock only, through 7-8’ size designation, height

measurements shall be in one-foot increments. Thereafter, measurement indicates caliper.

measurement in relation to caliper as in Type 1. The height, however, should not be less than

two-thirds the height relationship given for Type 1 (See Table 1).

FIGURE 2-Measurement-Type 2 shade trees

Caliper measurements shall be ¼-inch intervals through 1¾-2”, then ½-inch intervals

through 5½-6”, then one-inch intervals through 9-10”, then two-inch intervals from 10-12”

and up. Decimal equivalents to fractions may be used.

For bare root and container-grown stock only, through 7-8’ size designation, height

measurements shall be in one-foot increments. Thereafter, measurement indicates caliper.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

6

single-trunk plants, as multi-trunk clumps, or as shrubs.

A height relative to caliper may be specified but shall not be considered in determining

minimum diameter ball sizes.

For single-trunk plants, the minimum relationship for height, caliper, and branching will

usually be as shown in Table 2, below.

2 ft. 5/16 in. Three or more

3 ft. 7/16 in. Four or more

4 ft. 9/16 in. Five or more

5 ft. 11/16 in. Six or more

¾ in. Seven or more

FIGURE 3-Type 3 small upright trees

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

7

Height measurement shall be in one-foot intervals. Height shall be the governing

measurement through 5-6’ interval. Thereafter, caliper takes precedence.

Caliper measurements shall be ¼-inch intervals through 1¾-2”, then ½-inch intervals

through 5½-6”, then one-inch intervals through 9-10”, then two-inch intervals from 10-12”

and up. Decimal equivalents to fractions may be used.

certain large shrubs grown in tree or multi-stem form.

A height relative to caliper may be specified but shall not be considered in determining

minimum diameter ball sizes.

For single-trunk plants, the minimum branching will usually be as shown in Table 3, below.

FIGURE 4-Type 4 small spreading trees

2 ft. Four or more

3 ft. Five or more

4 ft. Seven or more

5 ft. Eight or more

¾ in. Eight or more

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

8

Height measurement shall be in one-foot intervals. Height shall be the governing

measurement through 5-6’ interval. Thereafter, caliper takes precedence, except for shrubform

multi-stem trees (see section 1.3).

Caliper measurements shall be ¼-inch intervals through 1¾-2”, then ½-inch intervals

through 5½-6”, then one-inch intervals through 9-10”, then two-inch intervals from 10-12”

and up. Decimal equivalents to fractions may be used.

Shrub form, clump form, or multi-stem trees occur naturally in many genera or may be

“Suckers” from trunks or from the roots that have branching or form that are not typical for

the species or cultivar shall not be treated as “stems” or “trunks.”

All specifications shall include whether the form desired is shrub form, clump form, or multistem.

height or caliper, as appropriate to the type, and the method used to determine the caliper

measurement if caliper is required.

This form is determined by the manner in which the plant is maintained, in that generally all

persistent, thriving stems arising from the root crown or at a point just above the root crown

are retained, and foliage is allowed to remain intact on branches close to the ground.

Additional stems may grow from the root crown or at a point just above the root crown and

be allowed to grow to maturity throughout the life of the plant, and older stems may be

pruned to the ground. Also, species in this group generally do not exceed 15 feet in height at

maturity, are generally Type 3 or Type 4 trees, and may naturally produce multiple stems

without manipulation in the nursery.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

9

Specifications shall include plant size (height) and shall indicate “shrub form.” See Section

1.1 for additional required specifications. Optional specifications may be included in order

to further describe the plant (See Section 1.1.2).

Measurement shall indicate height, in accordance with Section 1.1.1.2, using the following

intervals: one-foot intervals up to 7-8’ height, then two-foot intervals thereafter. Each

interval includes plants from the minimum plant size up to but not including the next larger

size interval.

This form is determined by the manner in which the plant is maintained, in that only a certain

number of stems or trunks are retained when the plant is young and thereafter maintained as

the plant matures, and foliage is generally removed from the lower portion of the plant. It is

recognized that, in certain regions of the country, some species are generally sold in the trade

as tree forms rather than shrub forms even though they are allowed to retain most of the

lower branches and foliage, but only a limited number of main stems or trunks are retained as

the tree matures. These are generally Type 1 or Type 2 shade trees.

together as a single tree having three or more main stems or trunks. Multiple tree groupings

shall have a unified, well-established root system in order to allow harvest, shipment, and

planting as a single root ball.

crown or at a point just above the root crown.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

10

originate from a single main stem at a point no higher than six inches from the ground.

These types are created with specialized techniques rather than as natural to the species (e.g.,

branches are more than six inches from the ground, specify under Section 1.2 and include

“low-branched” specification.

Specifications for clump form trees shall include plant size (height or caliper as appropriate -

see paragraph below), minimum number of stems or trunks, and method of caliper

measurement if a caliper specification is included. A two-stem clump shall be so specified.

Plant size for Types 1 and 2 clump form trees may be specified by height or caliper up to 7-

8’ height, and then should be specified by caliper thereafter. Types 3 and 4 clump form trees

should be specified by height through 5-6’, then by caliper thereafter. Specifications for all

clump form trees may include both caliper and height measurements.

Specifications for multi-stem trees should be specified by height. Optional specifications

may include the minimum number of stems and caliper measurements. A two-stemmed plant

shall be so specified.

If a caliper measurement is included in the specification, the specification shall also include

the method used to determine the caliper measurement, shown below.

Several methods are used in the trade:

A. The number of required trunks and the minimum caliper of each trunk.

B. The number of required trunks and the caliper of only the largest trunk, with all other

required trunks within a certain caliper range of the largest trunk (e.g., by percent or

within two smaller caliper sizes). This is the Canadian method.

C. The number of required trunks, caliper specified is one-half (1/2) of the caliper of up to

the three largest required trunks.

D. The number of required trunks, caliper specified is the average of all required trunks.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

11

FIGURE 5 – Multi-stem, clump form, and shrub form trees

In all cases, root ball diameters for shrub form, clump form, or multi-stem trees shall satisfy

the general requirement stated in Section 1.6.1, below, and root ball depths shall be

determined in accordance with Section 1.6.1.1, below.

Minimum root ball diameters for shrub form trees shall be determined by height, in

accordance with Table 4, below.

Minimum root ball diameters for clump form trees shall be determined with reference to

measurement used in the specification, and even if height only is specified (e.g., for Type 1

or 2 Shade Tree).

For clump form trees with more than 12 inches between the center points of any two trunks,

one-half of that distance should be added to the root ball diameter shown in Table 6 to assure

that a sufficient amount of roots around the perimeter of the ball are retained during harvest.

For instance, if two trunks are 14 inches from center to center, seven inches should be added

to the root ball size indicated in Table 6.

A caliper measurement resulting from the application of the formula which falls between a

caliper measurement in Table 6 should use the next larger caliper shown in Table 6 (e.g., 3¾-

inch caliper, round up to 4-inch caliper, requiring a minimum 42-inch root ball).

Minimum root ball diameters for multi-stem trees shall be determined by height, in

accordance with Table 4, even if caliper measurements are included in specifications.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

12

Width no more than

½ height at maturity

Width at least

½ height at maturity

4 ft. 14 in. 24 in.

5 ft. 18 in. 28 in.

6 ft. 22 in. 32 in.

7 ft. 26 in. 36 in.

8 ft. 28 in. 40 in.

10 ft. 32 in. 44 in.

12 ft. 38 in. 52 in.

14 ft. 44 in. 60 in.

16 ft. 50 in. 66 in.

18 ft. 60 in. 74 in.

20 ft. 70 in. 80 in.

In size grading palm trees, height shall take precedence. Either of two heights may be

specified: overall height or trunk height.

Overall height is the perpendicular height from the ground, which should be at or near the

top of the root zone, to the top of the arc made by the uppermost arching frond with the tree

standing in natural position.

Trunk height is measured from the ground line, which should be at or near the top of the root

zone, to the base of the heart leaf.

In cases where the root ball or box (container) size is not specified, the minimum root ball

size or box size recommended in this section shall be deemed acceptable (see Table 6 or

Table 7).

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

13

FIGURE 6 – Palms

devices, such as containers or fabric bags, under favorable growing conditions and which

have received the proper cultural treatment to develop a well-branched root system. After

harvest, the soil is removed from the roots.

All bare root trees shall have a well-branched root system characteristic of the species. The

following table represents the approved minimum root spread for nursery grown shade trees.

½ in. 5 to 6 ft. 12 in.

¾ in. 6 to 8 ft. 16 in.

1 in. 8 to 10 ft. 18 in.

1 ¼ in. 8 to 10 ft. 20 in.

1 ½ in. 10 to 12 ft. 22 in.

1 ¾ in. 10 to 12 ft. 24 in.

2 in. 12 to 14 ft. 28 in.

2 ½ in. 12 to 14 ft. 32 in.

3 in. 14 to 16 ft. 38 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

14

FIGURE 7 – Measurement - Field grown trees

Trees collected from native stands or established plantings shall be so designated. The spread

of root on bare root collected trees shall be 1/3 greater than the spread of roots shown for

bare root nursery grown trees (Table 5).

Trees collected from wild or native stands may be considered nursery grown when they have

been successfully reestablished in the nursery row and grown under regular nursery cultural

practices for a minimum of two growing seasons and have attained adequate root and top

growth to indicate full recovery from transplanting into the nursery row.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

15

The following tables represent the recommended minimum root ball sizes for trees that are

(a) grown in the ground in the nursery without artificial root restriction devices, such as

containers or fabric bags, (b) grown under favorable growing conditions, having received the

proper cultural treatment to develop a well branched root system, and (c) harvested with the

ball of earth in which they are growing remaining intact (e.g., balled and burlapped).

Many factors affect the minimum root ball size. Although minimum ball size is not a

required specification, parties to nursery stock transactions are encouraged to address

minimum ball size in personal communications or specification documents prior to the

transaction. The objective in all nursery stock transactions is for root balls to meet the

following general requirement:

Given the variety of acceptable cultural practices in the industry, the ball sizes set forth in

this section are based on those factors which are objectively observable and measurable: the

height or caliper measurement. Other cultural practices in the nursery, such as transplanting

or root pruning practices or watering techniques, or soil types and local growing conditions,

certainly affect the density of the roots, but are much more difficult to observe and measure

within the context of the Standard.

It is recognized that plants having a coarse or wide-spreading root system because of natural

habit of growth, soil condition, infrequent transplanting practice, or plants that are moved out

of season, would require a root ball larger than the recommended size. It is also recognized

that there may be circumstances where the sizes recommended may be excessive, such as

stock grown in pots or other containers, field plants recently planted out from containers or

with smaller balls, or plants which have been frequently transplanted or root pruned.

For example, if root density is of particular importance to a seller, buyer, or specifier, the

nursery stock may be designated in marketing materials or in specification documents as

being transplanted or root pruned a certain number of times. In such cases, the grower may

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

16

½ in. 12 in. 2 ft. 10 in.

¾ in. 14 in. 3 ft. 12 in.

1 in. 16 in. 4 ft. 14 in.

1 ¼ in. 18 in. 5 ft. 16 in.

1 ½ in. 20 in. ¾ in. 16 in.

1 ¾ in. 22 in. 1 in. 18 in.

2 in. 24 in. 1 ¼ in. 19 in.

2 ½ in. 28 in. 1 ½ in. 20 in.

3 in. 32 in. 1 ¾ in. 22 in.

3 ½ in. 38 in. 2 in. 24 in.

4 in. 42 in. 2 ½ in. 28 in.

4 ½ in. 48 in. 3 in. 32 in.

5 in. 54 in. 3 ½ in. 38 in.

5 ½ in. 57 in. 4 in. 42 in.

6 in. 60 in. 4 ½ in. 48 in.

7 in. 70 in. 5 in. 54 in.

8 in. 80 in. 5 ½ in. 57 in.

6 in. 60 in.

7 in. 70 in.

8 in. 80 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

17

Plants dug to the specifications in the following tables should have the trunk or stem of the

plant in the center of the earth ball. A tolerance of 10% of the diameter is the maximum

deviation allowable (See Figure 8). For example: For a tree with a 30-inch root ball, the

center of the trunk at ground level shall be within a circle 13 ½ inches from the outer edge of

the ball.

FIGURE 8 – Example: trunk in center of root ball

begin at the root flare (see Figure 9). Soil above the root flare, from being deeply planted in

the nursery as a young plant, as a result of maintenance practices in the nursery, or added

during harvest, shall not be included in ball depth measurement, and should be removed.

Under certain soil and regional conditions, plants have root systems of proportionately less

depth and greater diameter. These require a more shallow but wider ball to properly

encompass the roots. Conversely, in other soils, and in certain regions, roots develop greater

depth and less spread, requiring an exceptionally deep ball, which may be smaller in

diameter and greater in depth than the size recommended.

For the greater part of the country, ball depths will carry the following ratios:

Balls with diameters less than 20 inches - depth not less than 65% of the diameter of the ball.

Balls with diameters of 20 inches and up - depth not less than 60% of the diameter of the

ball.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

18

FIGURE 9 – Measurement of root ball depths

Burlap or other suitable material shall be biodegradable and shall completely cover the root

ball. This wrapping shall be between the earth ball and the lacing or ball supporting device.

If used, ball-supporting devices, such as wire baskets, shall hold the ball in a firm, rigid

condition.

It is generally recognized that plants growing in their native state will sustain a much more

severe shock when transplanted than the same kinds of plants when nursery grown. If

collected material is moved, a considerably larger ball than that recommended for

transplanted nursery stock is required, because of the unrestricted root development and the

varying conditions of soil in which such material is found.

The minimum ball sizes shall be equal to those specified in Table 6 for the next larger size

nursery grown stock.

For the purposes of this Standard, plants collected from wild or native stands may be

considered nursery grown when they have been successfully reestablished in the nursery row

and grown under regular nursery cultural practices for a minimum of two growing seasons

and have attained adequate root and top growth to indicate full recovery from transplanting

into the nursery row.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

19

relatively free of stones and foreign matter, but where plants have had a minimum of aftercare.

Plantation grown nursery stock shall be so designated. The minimum ball sizes shall be

equal to those specified in Table 6 for the next larger size nursery grown stock.

Field potted plants are field-grown nursery-grown plants, dug with a ball of earth still intact

in which they are growing, and which, in lieu of burlapping, are placed in a container to

retain the ball unbroken.

The minimum ball sizes shall be equal to those specified in Table 6 for nursery grown stock.

growing medium is mechanically or manually formed around the roots to form a ball.

Table 7 represents the recommended minimum sizes of processed balls for trees processed by

machine or by hand.

All trees shall have been grown under favorable growing conditions, having received the

proper cultural treatment to develop a well branched root system.

½ in. 10 in. 2 ft. 10 in.

¾ in. 10 in. 3 ft. 10 in.

1 in. 12 in. 4 ft. 12 in.

1 ¼ in. 14 in. 5 ft. 12 in.

1 ½ in. 16 in. ¾ in. 12 in.

1 ¾ in. 18 in. 1 in. 14 in.

2 in. 20 in. 1 ¼ in. 14 in.

2 ½ in. 20 in. 1 ½ in. 14 in.

3 in. 28 in. 1 ¾ in. 18 in.

It is recognized that balling of nursery grown stock can be accomplished by hand digging or

by mechanical devices especially designed for nursery conditions. The use of digging

machines is an acceptable nursery practice.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

20

guidelines for the appropriate plant type set forth in Section 1.2 - Types of Trees. Plant size

indicates the minimum size allowable in the desired plant size interval. Container size shall

be by container classification (i.e., not by container volume) as set forth in the container class

table in the Foreword.

In all cases, container grown nursery stock shall meet the following general requirement:

It is recognized that certain containers may be designed or treated to retard circling roots

around the inside of the container, and that they are acceptable in the trade.

The container shall be sufficiently rigid to hold the ball shape and to protect the root mass

during shipping.

specification that should be determined after the desired plant size is determined. This table

is to be used as a guideline in determining which container class designation should

accompany the plant size designation. This table should not be used as the basis for rejecting

nursery stock based on the minimum or maximum plant size shown in this table in cases

where a specification only provides a container class designation. In such cases, the parties

should refer to the “general requirement” for all container grown nursery stock (see Section

1.7) to determine whether the root system complies with the Standard.

Identify every row with a plant size range that includes the desired plant size. (3) Specify an

appropriate container class in the right-hand column of a row in which the desired plant size

included as the maximum plant size for a #15 container and would NOT be appropriate. A

2” caliper tree is included as the minimum plant size for a #65 container and would NOT be

appropriate. The appropriate container class would be either a #20, #25, or #45, since the 2”

caliper plant size falls between the minimum and maximum plant sizes in those ranges.

Exceptions to this approach would be for very fast-growing species, in which case the

maximum plant size would be an appropriate reference for determining the container class;

or for very slow-growing or dwarf varieties, in which case the minimum plant size would be

an appropriate reference for determining the container class.

Note: Throughout this Standard, plant size indicates minimum allowable plant size in

desired plant size interval (e.g., “1 in. cal.” specification designates size interval from 1-inch

caliper up to but not including 1 ¼ -inch caliper).

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

21

Shade Trees

Small Upright and Small

Spreading Trees

Minimum

Plant Size

(Height/

Caliper)

Maximum

Plant Size

(Height/

Caliper)

Minimum

Plant Size

(Height/

Caliper)

Maximum

Plant Size

(Height/

Caliper)

Minimum

Plant Size

(Height)

Maximum

Plant Size

(Height)

Container

Class

12 in. 4 ft. 12 in. 3 ft. N/A N/A 1

2 ft. 6 ft. 18 in. 4 ft. N/A N/A 2

3 ft. 6 ft. 2 ½ ft. 6 ft./ 1 in. 2 ft. 5 ft. 3

4 ft. 7 ft. 4 ft. 7 ft./ 1 ¼ in 3 ft. 6 ft. 5

5 ft. 8 ft./1 ¼ in. 5 ft. 1 ½ in. 4 ft. 7 ft. 7

6 ft. 1 ½ in. 6 ft./¾ in. 1 ¾ in. 5 ft. 8 ft. 10

8 ft./ ¾ in. 2 in. 1 in. 2 in. 6 ft. 10 ft. 15

1 in. 2 ½ in. 1 ¼ in. 2 ½ in. 7 ft. 12 ft. 20

1 ¼ in. 3 in. 1 ½ in. 3 in. 8 ft. 14 ft. 25

1 ¾ in. 3 ½ in. 2 in. 3 ½ in. 10 ft. 16 ft. 45

2 in. 4 in. 2 ½ in. 4 in. 12 ft. 18 ft. 65

2 ½ in. 5 in. 3 in. 5 in. 14 ft. 20 ft. 95/100

*Note: For clump form trees (Section 1.3.2), do not use this column, but use the column

appropriate for the Type, and reference the minimum plant size to determine the appropriate

container class. For purposes of using this table, the caliper of clump form trees shall be

calculated as one-half of the total of the calipers of up to the three largest required trunks.

It is recognized that many trees are grown and shipped in wooden boxes, and that this is an

acceptable practice in the trade. The container class table in the Foreword shows the

relationship of wooden box sizes and container classes accepted in the trade, although

wooden boxes may have substantially higher soil volumes than the accepted container class

equivalent.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

22

These specifications are for shade and flowering trees field grown in fabric bags, commonly

called grow bags. Fabric bag size specifications are provided in the Foreword.

The following table represents the recommended maximum tree caliper for shade and

flowering trees, (Types 1,2,3, and 4), and multi stem trees, grown in in-ground fabric bags.

1 ¼ in. 10 in.

1 ½ in. 12 in.

1 ¾ in. 14 in.

2 in. 16 in.

2 ½ in. 18 in.

3 in. 20 in.

3 ½ in. 22 in.

4 in. 24 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

23

include plant size, by spread or height, as appropriate to the plant type (see Section 2.2).

height, as appropriate to the plant type (see Section 2.2), and container class (see Foreword).

minimum fabric bag size.

of roots in cases where plants are shipped prior to reaching full growth for that season.

size interval. Each interval includes plants from the minimum plant size up to but not

including the next larger size interval. Acceptable size intervals for each plant type are

shown in the appropriate plant type sections, below. For instance, a specification for a “12

in.” Type 1 plant references the “12 to 15 inch” spread interval, while a specification for a

“12 in.” Type 3 plant references the “12 to 18 inch” height interval (see Section 2.2).

For purposes of this Standard, a cane shall be considered a primary stem which starts from

the ground or at a point close to the ground at a point not higher than one-fourth the height of

the plant, and which reaches the minimum height stated in the plant size specification.

Spread measurement shall be the average spread of the branches of the plant, without leaves.

Height measurement shall be from the soil line for container grown plants, from the ground

for field grown plants, or from the root collar for bare root plants, and shall extend to the top

of all canes meeting the height specification, without leaves, in accordance with Table 10, 11,

12, or 13, as appropriate to the plant type. This is generally at a point below the tallest point

on the plant. For example, a 3’ Type 2 plant should have 5 canes reaching at least 3’, even if

two or three canes are taller than 3’ (see Table 12).

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

24

Nursery stock shipped in accordance with the required specifications shall be deemed to be

acceptable within the terms of this section if it is typical in size and habit for the species in

the region of the country in which it is grown unless specifications include additional details.

Specifiers and buyers are encouraged to provide additional appropriately detailed descriptive

language to the extent that required specifications set forth in Section 2.1.1 do not provide

sufficient detail for a particular transaction.

The illustrations and tables provided in this section show the typical minimum number of

canes for each plant size for each plant type. They are intended as guidelines to determine

the minimum number of canes generally acceptable in the trade for deciduous shrubs.

Specifiers may include the minimum number of canes in a specification if the guidelines

shown in this section may be insufficient for a particular transaction.

Specifications may also include the minimum times that a plant must have been transplanted

or root pruned, in which case a root ball size smaller than that shown in the appropriate table

in Section 2.2 should also be specified to account for the more well-formed root mass (e.g.,

"trans. min. 3x, min. 20" ball).

General terms, such as “specimen,” or "quality grade," should be avoided in favor of more

specific terms that describe the plant attributes required by the specifier or buyer, such as

“heavily budded,” or “densely branched.” The determination of compliance with the term

“specimen” shall be determined with reference to the descriptive characteristics provided in

the specifier’s or buyer’s specifications.

Other than Type 0 plants, plant types are determined by the size of the plant at maturity,

assuming full winter hardiness in the region in which the plant is grown.

certain parts of the country. It is general practice to prune to the ground or to live wood due

to partial or complete die-back. Many types of plants may have various degrees of

persistence in the woody stems in different parts of the country, and would not be included as

Type 0 plants in regions where stems reach maturity without significant die-back each year.

In some cases these plants are referred to as “woody perennials.”

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

25

is greater, using three-inch intervals through 15-18”, then six-inch intervals through 30-36”,

then one foot intervals from 3-4’ and up.

Plants may not meet plant size designation at time of shipment at certain times of the year,

but would be expected to reach plant size designation during the first growing season after

shipment. In cases where plants may be shipped after being pruned back and before reaching

plant size designation, specifications shall include minimum spread of roots. Spread of roots

shall be stated in two-inch increments.

See Figure 10 for sample graphic representation.

6 in. 2 3 in.

9 in. 2 4 in.

12 in. 3 5 in.

15 in. 3 7 in.

18 in. 4 9 in.

24 in. 4 11 in.

30 in. 5 13 in.

feet.

intervals through 15-18”, then six-inch intervals through 30-36”.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

26

See Figure 10 for sample graphic representation.

6 in. 3 4 in.

9 in. 3 6 in.

12 in. 4 8 in.

15 in. 4 9 in.

18 in. 5 10 in.

24 in. 5 11 in.

30 in. 6 12 in.

six-inch intervals through 18-24”, then one-foot intervals from 2-3’through 6-7’.

See Figure 11 for sample graphic representation.

6 in. 3 6 in.

12 in. 3 8 in.

18 in. 4 10 in.

2 ft. 4 12 in.

3 ft. 5 14 in.

4 ft. 5 18 in.

5 ft. 6 24 in.

6 ft. 6 30 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

27

six-inch intervals through 18-24”, then one-foot intervals through 5-6’, then two-feet

intervals from 6-8’ and up.

Type 0 Type 1 Type 1

18” ht. or sp. 9” ht. or sp. 30” ht. or sp.

4 canes 3 canes 6 canes

Type 2 Type 3

2’ ht. 4’ ht.

4 canes 6 canes

FIGURE 10 – Types of Deciduous Shrubs

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

28

12” ht., 3 canes 2’ ht., 4 canes 4’ ht., 5 canes 6’ ht., 6 canes

FIGURE 11 – Typical Type 2 Intermediate Deciduous Shrubs

See Figure 10 for sample graphic representation.

12 in. 3 8 in.

18 in. 4 10 in.

2 ft. 5 12 in.

3 ft. 5 16 in.

4 ft. 6 20 in.

5 ft. 6 24 in.

6 ft. 7 30 in.

8 ft. 8 36 in

10 ft. 9 44 in.

12 ft. 10 52 in.

*Note: Deciduous shrubs with a narrow habit may have significantly fewer canes and

significantly smaller spread of harvested roots than shown in the table. Some varieties may

nursery without artificial root restriction devices, such as containers or fabric bags, under

favorable growing conditions and which have received the proper cultural treatment to

develop a well branched root system. After harvest, the soil is removed from the roots.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

29

Nursery grown bare-root shrubs shall have a well-branched root system characteristic of the

species. Bare root shrubs shall have minimum root spreads as shown in the tables in Section

2.2, above, for the appropriate plant type.

Shrubs collected from native stands or established plantings shall be so designated. The

spread of roots, bare root collected, shall be one-third greater than the spread of roots of

nursery grown shrubs.

For the purposes of this standard, shrubs collected from wild or native stands may be

considered nursery grown when they have been successfully reestablished in the nursery row

and grown under regular nursery cultural practices for a minimum of two growing seasons

and have attained adequate root and top growth to indicate full recovery from transplanting

into the nursery row.

artificial root restriction devices, such as containers or fabric bags, under favorable growing

conditions and which have received the proper cultural treatment to develop a well-branched

root system.

minimum spread of roots guidelines shown in the tables in Section 2.2, above, for the

appropriate plant type. Field grown plants are harvested with the ball of earth in which they

are growing remaining intact.

Many factors affect the minimum root ball size. Although minimum ball size is not a

required specification, parties to nursery stock transactions are encouraged to address

minimum ball size in personal communications or specification documents prior to the

transaction. The objective in all nursery stock transactions is for root balls to meet the

following general requirement:

Given the variety of acceptable cultural practices in the industry, the ball sizes set forth in

this section are based on those factors which are objectively observable and measurable: the

spread or height measurement. Other cultural practices in the nursery, such as transplanting

or root pruning practices or watering techniques, or soil types and local growing conditions,

certainly affect the density of the roots, but are much more difficult to observe and measure

within the context of the Standard.

It is recognized that plants having a coarse or wide-spreading root system because of natural

habit of growth, soil condition, infrequent transplanting practice, or plants that are moved out

of season, would require a root ball larger than the recommended size. It is also recognized

that there may be circumstances where the sizes recommended may be excessive, such as

stock grown in pots or other containers, field plants recently planted out from containers or

with smaller balls, or plants which have been frequently transplanted or root pruned.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

30

For example, if root density is of particular importance to a seller, buyer, or specifier, the

nursery stock may be designated in marketing materials or in specification documents as

being transplanted or root pruned a certain number of times. In such cases, the grower may

ship the nursery stock with a root ball size smaller than shown in the appropriate tables in

Plants dug to the specifications in Tables 10 through 13 should have the trunk or stem of the

plant in the center of the earth ball. A tolerance of 10% of the diameter is the maximum

deviation allowable.

within a circle 9 inches from the outer edge of the ball.

FIGURE 12 – Center of Plant in Center of Root Ball

FIGURE 13 – Measurement of Field Grown Deciduous Shrubs

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

31

begin at the root flare (See Figure 14). Soil above the root flare, from being deeply planted

in the nursery as a young plant, as a result of maintenance practices in the nursery, or added

during harvest, shall not be included in ball depth measurement.

Under certain soil and regional conditions, plants have root systems of proportionately less

depth and greater diameter. These require a more shallow but wider ball to properly

encompass the roots. Conversely, in other soils and in certain regions roots develop greater

depth and less spread, requiring an exceptionally deep ball, unless it has been demonstrated

to the purchaser or his representative that the plants have been root pruned or undercut.

For the greater part of the country ball depths will carry the following ratios:

Balls with diameters less than 20 inches—depth not less than 65% of diameter.

Balls with diameters of 20 inches or more—depth not less than 60% of the diameter.

FIGURE 14 – Ball Depths: Field Grown Deciduous Shrubs

Burlap or other suitable material shall be biodegradable and shall completely cover the root

ball. This wrapping shall be between the earth ball and the lacing or ball supporting device.

If used, ball supporting devices, such as wire baskets, shall hold the ball in a firm, rigid

condition.

Definition: Balled and potted plants are field-grown nursery plants, dug with a ball of earth

still intact in which they are growing, and which, in lieu of burlapping, are placed in a

container to retain the ball unbroken.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

32

The minimum ball sizes shall be equal to the spread of roots specified in the appropriate table

in Section 2.2, above, for nursery grown stock.

growing medium is mechanically placed around the roots to form a ball, then held in place

with a ball supporting device.

The minimum ball sizes shall be equal to the spread of roots specified in the appropriate table

in Section 2.2, above, for nursery grown stock.

Collected (Coll.) shall be so designated. It is generally recognized that plants growing on

unmanaged land will sustain a much more severe shock when transplanted than the same

kinds of plants when nursery grown. If collected material is moved, a considerably larger ball

than that recommended for transplanted nursery stock is required, because of the unrestricted

root development and the varying conditions of soil in which such material is found.

The minimum ball sizes shall be equal to the spread of roots specified in the appropriate table

in Section 2.2, above, for the next larger size nursery grown stock.

For the purposes of this Standard, plants collected from wild or native stands may be

considered nursery grown when they have been successfully reestablished in the nursery row

and grown under regular nursery cultural practices for a minimum of two growing seasons

and have attained adequate root and top growth to indicate full recovery from transplanting

into the nursery row.

relatively free of stones and foreign matter, but where plants have had a minimum of aftercare.

Plantation grown (Plan.) shall be so designated. The minimum ball sizes shall be equal to the

spread of roots specified in the appropriate table in Section 2.2, above, for the next larger size

nursery grown stock.

It is recognized that balling of nursery grown stock can be accomplished by hand digging or

by mechanical devices especially designed for nursery conditions. The use of digging

machines is an acceptable nursery practice.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

33

guidelines for the appropriate plant type set forth in Section 2.2 Types of Deciduous Shrubs.

Container size shall be by container classification (i.e., not by container volume) as set forth

in the Container Class Table in the Foreword.

In all cases, container grown nursery stock shall meet the following general requirement:

It is recognized that certain containers may be designed or treated to retard circling roots

around the inside of the container, and that they are acceptable in the trade.

The container shall be sufficiently rigid to hold the ball shape and to protect the root mass

during shipping.

specification that should be determined after the desired plant size is determined. This table

is to be used as a guideline in determining which container class designation should

accompany the plant size designation. This table should not be used as the basis for rejecting

nursery stock in cases where a specification only provides a container class designation. In

such cases, the parties should refer to the “general requirement” for all container grown

nursery stock, above, to determine whether the root system complies with the Standard.

Identify every row with a plant size range that includes the desired plant size. (3) Specify an

appropriate container class in the right-hand column of a row in which the desired plant size

plant is included as the maximum plant size for a #3 container and would NOT be

appropriate. A 24” ht. Type 2 plant is included as the minimum plant size for a #7 container

and would NOT be appropriate. The appropriate container class would be a #5, since the 24”

ht. plant size falls between the minimum and maximum plant sizes in that range. Exceptions

to this approach would be for very fast-growing species, in which case the maximum plant

size would be an appropriate reference for determining the container class; or for very slowgrowing

or dwarf varieties, in which case the minimum plant size would be an appropriate

reference for determining the container class.

size range (e.g., “12 in. sp.” specification designates size range from 12-inch spread up to but

not including 15-inch spread).

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

34

Measurement

designates greater of

height or spread

Measurement

designates height

Measurement

designates height

Min.

Plant

Size

Max.

Plant

Size

Min.

Plant

Size

Max.

Plant

Size

Min.

Plant

Size

Max.

Plant

Size

Container

Class

3 in. 15 in. 6 in. 15 in. 6 in. 15 in. 1

6 in. 18 in. 12 in. 18 in. 15 in. 24 in. 2

9 in. 24 in. 15 in. 24 in. 18 in. 30 in. 3

12 in. 3 ft. 18 in. 3 ft. 24 in. 4 ft. 5

24 in. 4 ft. 30 in. 5 ft. 7

3 ft. 6 ft. 3 ft. 7 ft. 10

4 ft 8 ft. 4 ft. 10 ft. 15

5 ft. 12 ft. 25

7 ft. 14 ft. 45

10 ft. 14 ft. 65

12 ft. 14 ft. 100

*NOTE: Type 0 plants are shown at full growth at end of growing season. In cases where

Type 0 plants have been pruned for rejuvenation, measurement should be by spread of roots

in 2-inch increments rather than by the height of the plant.

These specifications are for deciduous shrubs field grown in fabric bags, commonly called

grow bags. Fabric bag size specifications are provided in the Foreword.

The following table represents the recommended maximum height for deciduous shrubs,

grown in in-ground fabric bags.

Maximum shrub height Minimum recommended

fabric bag size

3 ft. 10 in.

4 ft. 12 in.

5 ft. 14 in.

6 ft. 16 in.

8 ft. 18 in.

10 ft. 22 in.

12 ft. 24 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

35

Section 3: Coniferous Evergreens

height, as appropriate to the plant type, and shearing designation.

spread or height, as appropriate to the plant type, shearing designation, and container

class.

spread or height, as appropriate to the plant type, shearing designation, and minimum

fabric bag size.

definition of any shearing designation, except altered form, shall be deemed as acceptable

within the terms of this section (See Section 3.1.2).

desired size interval. Each interval includes plants from the minimum plant size up to but

not including the next larger size interval. Acceptable size intervals for each plant type

are shown in the appropriate plant type sections, below. For instance, a specification for

a “12 in.” Type 2 plant references the “12 to 15 inch” spread interval, while a

specification for an “18 in.” Type 3 plant references the “18 to 24 inch” height interval

(see Section 3.2).

Spread measurement shall not be taken at the tips of the outermost whorls, but should be

an average (see Figure 15). Height measurement shall not be taken at the tip of the

leader, but should be taken at the midpoint between the uppermost whorl(s) and the tip of

the leader (see Figure 18).

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

36

FIGURE 15 – Measurement – Types 1 and 2 coniferous evergreens

natural for the species. Never sheared. Specify as “N” (e.g., “Picea abies, N, 4’, B&B or

#7”).

the plant is young and then only periodically thereafter during the life of the plant. The

intent is to retain an intermediate level of density while retaining the form that is natural

for the species and not limiting the height of the plant over a period of time. Trunk

caliper shall not be significantly larger than the trunk caliper of a plant that has been

allowed to grow as a natural form, defined above. Specify as “LS.”

symmetrical shape, make the plant very dense, and limit the height and width of the plant

over a period of time. The trunk caliper of the plant will therefore continue to increase at

a disproportionate rate to the plant size, and will be larger than the trunk caliper of a plant

that has been allowed to grow naturally. Specify as “S.”

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

37

for the species, such as topiary, espalier, trained with wire, etc. Specifications should

include minimum root ball size or container class.

with Table 20, and container size shall be determined in accordance with Table 21,

below.

Measurement of trunk diameter of sheared conifers shall be made in the manner set forth

for Shade and Flowering Trees (see Section 1.1.1.2). In those cases where branches

interfere with caliper measurement, caliper shall be taken just above, and as near to, the

six inch or 12 inch location on the trunk as practicable.

Minimum ball diameter, container class, and fabric bag size for sheared conifers shall be

those established in Section 1 for Types 1 and 2 Shade Trees (see appropriate Table 6,

table 8, or Table 9), with caliper taking precedence over height in all cases where caliper

is shown. Ball depths for sheared plants shall also be established as in Section 1.6.1.

Nursery stock shipped in accordance with the required specifications shall be deemed to

be acceptable within the terms of this section if it is typical in size and habit for the

species in the region of the country in which it is grown unless specifications include

additional details. Specifiers and buyers are encouraged to provide additional

appropriately detailed descriptive language to the extent that required specifications set

forth in Section 3.1.1 do not provide sufficient detail for a particular transaction.

If only height or spread shall be specified, both height and spread may be specified.

In certain landscapes, such as container plantings with limited soil availability, or when

the buyer desires a particularly well-formed root mass, specifications should include the

minimum number of times that nursery stock must have been transplanted (e.g., “trans.

3x”). In such cases, nursery stock may be shipped with a root ball smaller than that

shown in Table 20, and the smaller root ball may be specified. Root ball sizes in Table

20 are based on trees that have not been transplanted after they have been lined out in the

field, which is a typical and accepted practice in the industry.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

38

General terms, such as “specimen,” or "quality grade," should be avoided in favor of

more specific terms that describe the plant attributes required by the specifier or buyer,

such as “symmetrical,” “extra heavy branching,” “matching,” or “single leader.” The

determination of compliance with the term “specimen” shall be determined with

reference to the descriptive characteristics provided by the specifier or buyer.

Collected stock (Coll.), natural seedling plants dug from native stands or forest plantings,

shall be so designated (see Section 3.3.2).

In addition to the required height or spread designation, specifications may include

minimum or maximum calipers to limit root ball size, and sellers may include minimum

or maximum calipers within size intervals in inventory and marketing materials.

Dwarf varieties are not treated as a separate plant type for purposes of this section. They

should be specified within the appropriate plant types shown in Section 3.2, below, in

accordance with the natural habit of the particular cultivar.

spread increasing over time with little or no increase in height. Tall plants with a

weeping habit should not be included in this plant type.

intervals through 15-18”, then six-inch intervals through 42-48”, then one-foot intervals

from 4-5’ and up.

Measurement should be the average of the plant and not the greatest diameter. Plants

properly trimmed and transplanted should measure the same in any direction. If a plant is

uneven, for example, 15 inches the widest and nine inches the narrowest, it should be

classified as 12-in. stock.

least one-half the spread up to 30-36” spread; the height will remain less than the spread

thereafter, varying somewhat according to natural growth of the particular species and

method of handling.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

39

intervals through 15-18”, then six-inch intervals through 42-48”, then one-foot intervals

from 4-5’ and up.

Measurement should be the average of the plant and not the greatest diameter. Plants

properly trimmed and transplanted should measure the same in any direction. If a plant is

uneven, for example, 15 inches the widest and nine inches the narrowest, it should be

classified as 12-in. stock.

relation of height to spread will vary somewhat according to natural growth of the

particular species and method of handling as these plants mature, but height to spread

ratio should never exceed 2:1 (see Table 16, below).

Upright growing dwarf types may approach the minimum dimensions above.

Many broad spreading and globe types included in this classification will have the same

or greater spread as height, even in the larger sizes.

intervals through 15-18”, then six-inch intervals through 42-48”, then one-foot intervals

from 4-5’ and up.

Measurement should be the average of the plant and not the greatest diameter. Plants

properly trimmed and transplanted should measure the same in any direction. If a plant is

uneven, for example, 15 inches the widest and nine inches the narrowest, it should be

classified as 12-in. stock.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

40

6 in. 6 in.

9 in. 9 in.

12 in. 10 in.

15 in. 12 in.

18 in. 15 in.

24 in. 18 in.

30 in. 21 in.

36 in. 24 in.

FIGURE 16 – Measurement – Type 3 coniferous evergreens

than 5:3 (see Table 17, below).

Height:spread ratio of

younger plants may be

1:1, then height will be

more than spread as plant

matures, but height:spread

ratio should never be more

than 2:1

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

41

12 in. 8 to 12 in.

15 in. 9 to 15 in.

18 in. 12 to 18 in.

24 in. 15 to 21 in.

30 in. 18 to 24 in.

3 ft. 21 to 30 in.

4 ft. 30 to 36 in.

5 ft. 3 to 4 ft.

18”, then six-inch intervals through 30-36”, then one-foot intervals through 9-10’, then

two-foot intervals from 10-12’ and up.

FIGURE 17 – Measurement – Type 4 coniferous evergreens

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

42

FIGURE 18 – Determining average height – Type 4 coniferous evergreens

a straight sided form with many upright branches or “leaders.”

The ratio of height to spread of properly grown material should not be less than 2:1.

18”, then six-inch intervals through 30-36”, then one-foot intervals through 9-10’, then

two-foot intervals from 10-12’ and up.

12 in. 8 to 12 in.

15 in. 9 to 15 in.

18 in. 12 to 18 in.

24 in. 15 to 21 in.

30 in. 18 to 24 in.

3 ft. 21 to 30 in.

4 ft. 30 to 36 in.

5 ft. 3 to 4 ft.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

43

FIGURE 19 – Measurement - Type 5 coniferous evergreens

a straight sided form or one that tapers only slightly from the ground to a point more than

half the height.

The broader types will usually have a ratio of height to spread of 4 to 1. Many forms,

however, will not attain this ratio, and even those of broad habit may be trimmed to

advantage into a narrowed form. However, in most cases the ratio of height to spread

should be less than 5 to 1.

18”, then six-inch intervals through 30-36”, then one-foot intervals through 9-10’, then

two-foot intervals from 10-12 and up.

12 in. 3 to 6 in.

15 in. 4 to 7 in.

18 in. 5 to 8 in.

24 in. 6 to 9 in.

30 in. 7 to 10 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

44

3 ft. 9 to 12 in.

4 ft. 12 to 15 in.

5 ft. 15 to 18 in.

6 ft. 18 to 21 in.

7 ft. 21 to 24 in.

8 ft. 24 to 30 in.

FIGURE 20 – Measurement – Type 6 coniferous evergreens

Table 20, below, represents the recommended minimum root ball diameters for conifers

which are being grown in the ground in the nursery without artificial root restriction

devices, such as containers or fabric bags, under favorable growing conditions and which

have received the proper cultural treatment to develop a well branched root system.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

45

These specifications are for plants harvested with the ball of earth in which they are

growing remaining intact.

Many factors affect the minimum root ball size. Although minimum ball size is not a

required specification, parties to nursery stock transactions are encouraged to address

minimum ball size in personal communications or specification documents prior to the

transaction. The objective in all nursery stock transactions is for root balls to meet the

following general requirement:

Given the variety of acceptable cultural practices in the industry, the ball sizes set forth in

this section are based on those factors which are objectively observable and measurable:

the spread or height of the plant, and the caliper of the trunk in cases where the size of the

plant has been controlled through shearing techniques. Other cultural practices in the

nursery, such as transplanting or root pruning practices or watering techniques, or soil

types and local growing conditions, certainly affect the density of the roots, but are much

more difficult to observe and measure within the context of the Standard.

It is recognized that plants having a coarse or wide-spreading root system because of

natural habit of growth, soil condition, infrequent transplanting practice, or plants that are

moved out of season, would require a root ball larger than the recommended size. It is

also recognized that there may be circumstances where the sizes recommended may be

excessive, such as stock grown in pots or other containers, field plants recently planted

out from containers or with smaller balls, or plants which have been frequently

transplanted or root pruned.

For example, if root density is of particular importance to a seller, buyer, or specifier, the

nursery stock may be designated in marketing materials or in specification documents as

being transplanted or root pruned a certain number of times. In such cases, the grower

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

46

(e.g., “4½ in.” caliper indicates 4½ -5 in. caliper interval).

Spreading, semispreading,

broad

spreading, globe, and

compact upright

Pyramidal, broad

upright

Columnar

Spread

(Types 1

and 2)

Height

(Type 3)

Minimum

diameter

ball

Height/

caliper

Minimum

diameter

Ball

Height/

caliper

Minimum

diameter

ball

9 in. 8 in. 12 in. 8 in. 12 in. 7 in.

12 in. 10 in. 15 in. 10 in. 15 in. 8 in.

15 in. 12 in. 18 in. 12 in. 18 in. 9 in.

18 in. 14 in. 24 in. 14 in. 24 in. 11 in.

24 in. 16 in. 30 in. 16 in. 30 in. 13 in.

30 in. 18 in. 3 ft. 18 in. 3 ft. 14 in.

36 in. 24 in. 4 ft. 20 in. 4 ft. 16 in.

42 in. 26 in. 5 ft. 22 in. 5 ft. 18 in.

4 ft. 28 in. 6 ft. 24 in. 6 ft. 20 in.

5 ft. 36 in. 7 ft. 26 in. 7 ft. 22 in.

6 ft. 40 in. 8 ft. 28 in. 8 ft. 24 in.

7 ft. 46 in. 9 ft./3 in. 32 in. 9 ft./2 ½ in. 26 in.

8 ft. 52 in. 3 ½ in. 34 in. 3 in. 28 in.

4 in. 38 in. 3 ½ in. 32 in.

4 ½ in. 42 in. 4 in. 36 in.

5 in. 48 in. 4 ½ in. 40 in.

5 ½ in. 54 in. 5 in. 44 in.

6 in. 60 in. 5 ½ in. 48 in.

7 in. 72 in. 6 in. 54 in.

8 in. 84 in. 7 in. 66 in.

9 in. 90 in. 8 in. 78 in.

9 in. 90 in.

*Note: rapid growing varieties may have root balls one size smaller.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

47

Table 20 should be used to determine the minimum root ball size for natural and semisheared

coniferous evergreens. If caliper measurement of the plant is shown in this table,

height of the plant (e.g., Type 4 plant, 5’ ht., 3½” caliper, will require 34” diameter root

ball).

See Section 3.1.3 and appropriate references to Section 1 root ball diameter guidelines.

Minimum root ball diameters for dwarf varieties should be equal to those shown in Table

20 for the next larger size non-dwarf varieties.

Plants dug to the specifications in Table 20 should have the trunk or stem of the plant in

the center of the earth ball. A tolerance of 10% of the diameter is the maximum deviation

allowable.

level shall be within a circle 13½ inches from the outer edge of the ball.

FIGURE 21 – Example: trunk in center of earth ball

shall begin at the root flare. Soil above the root flare, from being deeply planted in the

nursery as a young plant, as a result of maintenance practices in the nursery, or added

during harvest, shall not be included in ball depth measurement.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

48

Under certain soil and regional conditions, plants have root systems of proportionately

less depth and greater diameter. These require a more shallow but wider ball to properly

encompass the roots. Conversely, in other soils and in certain regions roots develop

greater depth and less spread, requiring an exceptionally deep ball, unless it has been

demonstrated to the purchaser or his representative that the plants have been root pruned

or undercut.

For the greater part of the country, ball depths will carry the following ratios:

Balls with diameters less than 20 inches — depth not less than 65% of the diameter of the

ball.

Balls with diameters of 20 inches or more — depth not less than 60% of the diameter of

the ball.

FIGURE 22 – Ball Depths – coniferous evergreens

Burlap or other suitable material shall be biodegradable and shall completely cover the

root ball. This wrapping shall be between the earth ball and the lacing or ball supporting

device.

If used, ball supporting devices, such as wire baskets, shall hold the ball in a firm, rigid

condition.

Collected (Coll.) plants shall be so designated. It is generally recognized that plants

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

49

growing in their native state will sustain a much more severe shock when transplanted

than the same kinds of plants when nursery grown.

If collected material is moved, a considerably larger ball than that recommended for

transplanted nursery stock is required, because of the unrestricted root development and

the varying conditions of soil in which such material is found.

The minimum ball size shall be equal to those specified in Table 20 for the next larger

size nursery field grown stock.

For the purposes of this standard, plants collected from wild or native stands may be

considered nursery grown when they have been successfully reestablished in the nursery

row and grown under regular nursery cultural practices for a minimum of two growing

seasons and have attained adequate root and top growth to indicate full recovery from

transplanting into the nursery row.

relatively free of stones and foreign matter, but where plants have had a minimum of

after-care.

Plantation grown nursery stock shall be so designated. The minimum ball size shall be

equal to that specified in Table 20 for the next larger size nursery field grown stock.

Balled and potted plants are nursery field grown plants, dug with a ball of earth still intact

in which they are growing, and which, in lieu of burlapping, are placed in a container to

retain the ball unbroken.

The minimum ball size shall be equal to that specified in Table 20.

It is recognized that balling of nursery grown stock can be accomplished by hand digging

or by mechanical devices especially designed for nursery conditions. The use of digging

machines is an acceptable nursery practice.

guidelines for the appropriate plant type set forth in Section 3.2 Types of Conifers.

Container size shall be by container classification (i.e., not by container volume) as set

forth in the container class table in the Foreword.

In all cases, container grown nursery stock shall meet the following general requirement:

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

50

It is recognized that certain containers may be designed or treated to retard circling roots

around the inside of the container, and that they are acceptable in the trade.

The container shall be sufficiently rigid to hold the ball shape and to protect the root mass

during shipping.

secondary specification that should be determined after the desired plant size is

determined. This table should not be used as the basis for rejecting nursery stock based

on the minimum or maximum plant size shown in this table in cases where a specification

only provides a container class designation. In such cases, the parties should refer to the

“general requirement” for all container grown nursery stock (see Section 3.4) to

determine whether the root system complies with the Standard.

references to Section 1 Container Class Guidelines.

Identify every row with a plant size range that includes the desired plant size. (3)

Specify an appropriate container class in the right-hand column of a row in which the

example, a 30” sp. Type 2 plant is included as the maximum plant size for a #5 container

and would NOT be appropriate. A 30” sp. Type 2 plant is included as the minimum plant

size for a #15 container and would NOT be appropriate. The appropriate container class

would be either a #7 or #10, since the 30” sp. plant size falls between the minimum and

maximum plant sizes in those ranges.

For example, a “#3” container class designation might be appropriate for a “6 in.” plant

size designation for a dwarf plant.

class smaller than shown in this table for the maximum plant size shown. For example, a

“#15” container class designation might be appropriate for a “10 ft.” plant size

designation for an exceptionally fast-growing plant (e.g., Cupressocyparis Leylandi)

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

51

plant size range (e.g., “12 in. sp.” specification designates size range from 12-inch spread

up to but not including 15-inch spread).

Measurement designates

spread (Types 1 and 2) or

height (Type 3)

Measurement designates

height

Min. Plant

Size

Max. Plant

Size

Min. Plant

Size

Max. Plant

Size

Container

Class*

6 in. 12 in. 6 in. 15 in. 1

9 in. 15 in. 12 in. 24 in. 2

12 in. 24 in. 15 in. 3 ft. 3

15 in. 30 in. 18 in. 4 ft. 5

18 in. 4 ft. 24 in. 6 ft. 7

24 in. 5 ft. 30 in. 7 ft. 10

30 in. 6 ft. 4 ft. 8 ft. 15

36 in. 8 ft. 5 ft. 10 ft. 25

42 in. 8 ft. 6 ft. 12 ft. 45

4 ft. 10 ft. 7 ft. 16 ft. 65

5 ft. 12 ft. 8 ft. 20 ft. 100

*See Container Classification Table in the Foreword.

These specifications are for natural, semi-sheared, or lightly-sheared coniferous

evergreens field grown in fabric bags, commonly called grow bags. Sheared nursery

stock should reference one size larger than shown in the table. Fabric bag size

specifications are provided in the Foreword.

The following table represents the recommended maximum height for coniferous

evergreens grown in in-ground fabric bags. Coniferous evergreens are classified into two

categories — faster growing conifers that attain height more quickly in relation to caliper;

and slower growing varieties that attain caliper more quickly in relation to height.

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4 ft. 10 in. 3 ft. 10 in.

5 ft. 12 in. 4 ft. 12 in.

6 ft. 14 in. 5 ft. 14 in.

8 ft. 16 in. 6 ft. 16 in.

10 ft. 18 in. 7 ft. 18 in.

12 ft. 20 in. 8 ft. 20 in.

14 ft. 22 in. 10 ft. 22 in.

16 ft. 24 in. 12 ft. 24 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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Section 4: Broadleaf Evergreens

height, as appropriate to the plant type, and shearing designation.

spread or height, as appropriate to the plant type, shearing designation, and container

class.

spread or height, as appropriate to the plant type, shearing designation, and minimum

fabric bag size.

definition of any shearing designation, except altered form, shall be deemed as acceptable

within the terms of this section (See Section 4.1.2).

desired size interval. Each interval includes plants from the minimum plant size up to but

not including the next larger size interval. Acceptable size intervals for each plant type

are shown in the appropriate plant type sections, below. For instance, a specification for

a “12 in.” Type 2 plant references the “12 to 15 inch” spread interval, while a

specification for an “18 in.” Type 3 plant references the “18 to 24 inch” height interval

(see Section 4.2).

Spread measurements shall not be taken at the tips of the outermost branches of the plant,

but should be an average (see Figures 23 and 24). Height measurement shall not be taken

at the tips of the uppermost branches of the plant, but should be an average (see Figures

25, 26, and 27).

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

54

natural for the species. Never sheared. Specify as “N” (e.g., Ilex crenata ‘convexa,’ N,

24”, B&B or #7).

the plant is young and then only periodically thereafter during the life of the plant. The

intent is to retain an intermediate level of density while retaining the form that is natural

for the species and not limiting the height of the plant over a period of time. Trunk

caliper shall not be significantly larger than the trunk caliper of a plant that has been

allowed to grow as a natural form, defined above. Specify as “LS.”

symmetrical shape, make the plant very dense, and limit the height and width of the plant

over a period of time. The trunk caliper of the plant will therefore continue to increase at

a disproportionate rate to the plant size, and will be larger than the trunk caliper of a plant

that has been allowed to grow naturally. Specify as “S.”

for the species, such as topiary, espalier, trained with wire, etc. Specifications should

include minimum root ball size or container class.

accordance with Table 26, and container size shall be determined in accordance with

Table 27, below.

Measurement of trunk diameter of sheared broadleaf evergreens shall be made in the

manner set forth for Shade and Flowering Trees (see Section 1.1.1.2). In those cases

where branches interfere with caliper measurement, caliper shall be taken just above, and

as near to, the six inch or 12 inch location on the trunk as practicable.

Minimum ball diameters, container class, and fabric bag size for sheared broadleaf

evergreens shall be those established in Section 1 for Types 1 and 2 Shade Trees (see

appropriate Table 6, Table 8, or Table 9), with caliper taking precedence over height in

all cases where caliper is shown. Ball depths for sheared plants shall also be established

as in Section 1.6.1.

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55

Nursery stock shipped in accordance with the required specifications shall be deemed to

be acceptable within the terms of this section if it is typical in size and habit for the

species in the region of the country in which it is grown unless specifications include

additional details. Specifiers and buyers are encouraged to provide additional

appropriately detailed descriptive language to the extent that required specifications set

forth in Section 4.1.1 do not provide sufficient detail for a particular transaction.

If only height or spread shall be specified, both height and spread may be specified.

In certain landscapes, such as container plantings with limited soil availability, or when

the buyer desires a particularly well-formed root mass, specifications should include the

minimum number of times that nursery stock must have been root pruned or transplanted

(e.g., “trans. 3x”). In such cases, nursery stock may be shipped with a root ball smaller

than that shown in Table 26, and the smaller root ball may be specified. Root ball sizes

in Table 26 are based on trees that have not been transplanted after they have been lined

out in the field, which is the typical and accepted practice in the industry.

General terms, such as “specimen,” or "quality grade," should be avoided in favor of

more specific terms that describe the plant attributes required by the specifier or buyer,

such as “symmetrical,” “extra heavy branching,” “matching,” or “single leader.” The

determination of compliance with the term “specimen” shall be determined with

reference to the descriptive characteristics provided in the specifications by the buyer or

specifier.

Collected stock (Coll.), natural seedling plants dug from native stands or forest plantings,

shall be so designated (see Section 4.3.6).

In addition to the required height designation, specifications may include minimum or

maximum calipers to limit root ball size, and sellers may include minimum or maximum

calipers within size intervals in inventory and marketing materials.

Dwarf varieties are not treated as a separate plant type for purposes of this section. They

should be specified within the appropriate plant types shown in Section 4.2, below, in

accordance with the natural habit of the particular cultivar.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

56

spread increasing over time with little or no increase in height. Tall plants with a

weeping habit should not be included in this plant type.

intervals through 15-18”, then six-inch intervals through 42-48”, then one-foot intervals

from 4-5’ and up.

Measurement should be the average of the plant and not the greatest diameter. Plants

properly trimmed and transplanted should measure the same in any direction. If a plant is

uneven, for example, 15 inches the widest and nine inches the narrowest, it should be

classified as 12-in. stock.

FIGURE 23 – Measurement – Type 1 Broadleaf evergreens

up to 30-36” spread; the height will remain less than the spread thereafter, varying

somewhat according to natural growth of the particular species and method of handling.

intervals through 15-18”, then six-inch intervals through 42-48”, then one-foot intervals

from 4-5’ and up.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

57

Measurement should be the average of the plant and not the greatest diameter. Plants

properly trimmed and transplanted should measure the same in any direction. If a plant is

uneven, for example, 15 inches the widest and nine inches the narrowest, it should be

classified as 12-in. stock.

FIGURE 24 – Measurement – Type 2 Broadleaf evergreens

inches. From there on, the spread may be less than the height, but in no case will the ratio

of height to spread be more than 2:1 (height more than twice the spread). Both

dimensions may be given, as a good practice.

6 in. 5 in.

9 in. 6 in.

12 in. 7 in.

15 in. 9 in.

18 in. 10 in.

24 in. 14 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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intervals through 15-18”, then six-inch intervals through 42-48”, then one-foot intervals

from 4-5’ and up.

FIGURE 25 – Measurement – Type 3 Broadleaf evergreens

vary considerably in ratio of spread to height. Well-grown material in most cases will

have a height equal to if not greater than the spread. However, the spread should not be

less than two-thirds of the height (height-to-spread ratio of 3:2).

12 in. 8 in.

15 in. 10 in.

18 in. 12 in.

24 in. 16 in.

30 in. 20 in.

3 ft. 24 in.

4 ft. 28 in.

Height:spread ratio of

younger plants may be 1:1,

then height will be more

than spread as plant

matures, but height:spread

ratio should never be more

than 2:1

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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18”, then six-inch intervals from through 30-36”, then one-foot intervals from 3-4’ and

up.

FIGURE 26 – Measurement – Type 4 Broadleaf evergreens

develop into a conical form. Similar to Type 4 plants, well grown material will have a

height to spread ratio of 3 to 2. However, a greater spread is acceptable.

18”, then six-inch intervals from through 30-36”, then one-foot intervals from 3-4’ and

up.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

60

FIGURE 27 – Measurement – Type 5 Broadleaf evergreens

a straight sided form or one that tapers only slightly from the ground to a point more than

half the height.

The broader types will usually have a ratio of height to spread of 4 to 1. Many forms,

however, will not attain this ratio, and even those of broad habit may be trimmed to

advantage into a narrowed form. However, in most cases the ratio of height to spread

should be less than 5 to 1.

Buxus fastigiata

18”, then six-inch intervals through 30-36”, then one-foot intervals through 9-10’, then

two-foot intervals from 10-12’ and up.

12 in. 3 to 6 in.

15 in. 4 to 7 in.

18 in. 5 to 8 in.

24 in. 6 to 9 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

61

30 in. 7 to 10 in.

3 ft. 9 to 12 in.

4 ft. 12 to 15 in.

5 ft. 15 to 18 in.

6 ft. 18 to 21 in.

7 ft. 21 to 24 in.

8 ft. 24 to 30 in.

The following tables represent the recommended minimum root ball sizes for broadleaf

evergreens which are being grown in the ground in the nursery without artificial root

restriction devices, such as containers or fabric bags, under favorable growing conditions

and which have received the proper cultural treatment to develop a well branched root

system. These specifications are for plants harvested with the ball of earth in which they

are growing remaining intact.

Many factors affect the minimum root ball size. Although minimum ball size is not a

required specification, parties to nursery stock transactions are encouraged to address

minimum ball size in personal communications or specification documents prior to the

transaction. The objective in all nursery stock transactions is for root balls to meet the

following general requirement:

Given the variety of acceptable cultural practices in the industry, the ball sizes set forth in

this section are based on those factors which are objectively observable and measurable:

the spread or height of the plant, and the caliper of the trunk in cases where the size of the

plant has been controlled through shearing techniques. Other cultural practices in the

nursery, such as transplanting or root pruning practices or watering techniques, or soil

types and local growing conditions, certainly affect the density of the roots, but are much

more difficult to observe and measure within the context of the Standard.

It is recognized that plants having a coarse or wide-spreading root system because of

natural habit of growth, soil condition, infrequent transplanting practice, or plants that are

moved out of season, would require a root ball larger than the recommended size. It is

also recognized that there may be circumstances where the sizes recommended may be

excessive, such as stock grown in pots or other containers, field plants recently planted

out from containers or with smaller balls, or plants which have been frequently

transplanted or root pruned.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

62

For example, if root density is of particular importance to a seller, buyer, or specifier, the

nursery stock may be designated in marketing materials or in specification documents as

being transplanted or root pruned a certain number of times. In such cases, the grower

(e.g., “4½ in.” caliper indicates 4½ -5 in. caliper interval).

Spreading, semispreading,

broad

spreading, compact

upright, and globe

Broad upright, Cone

Columnar

Spread

(Types 1

and 2) or

Height

(Type 3)

Minimum

diameter

ball

Height/

caliper

Minimum

diameter

Ball

Height/

caliper

Minimum

diameter

ball

9 in. 8 in. 12 in. 8 in. 12 in. 7 in.

12 in. 10 in. 15 in. 10 in. 15 in. 8 in.

15 in. 12 in. 18 in. 12 in. 18 in. 9 in.

18 in. 14 in. 24 in. 14 in. 24 in. 11 in.

24 in. 16 in. 30 in. 16 in. 30 in. 13 in.

30 in. 18 in. 3 ft. 18 in. 3 ft. 14 in.

36 in. 24 in. 4 ft. 20 in. 4 ft. 16 in.

42 in. 26 in. 5 ft. 22 in. 5 ft. 18 in.

4 ft. 28 in. 6 ft. 24 in. 6 ft. 20 in.

5 ft. 36 in. 7 ft. 26 in. 7 ft. 22 in.

6 ft. 40 in. 8 ft. 28 in. 8 ft. 24 in.

7 ft. 46 in. 9 ft./3 in. 32 in. 9 ft./2 ½ in. 26 in.

8 ft. 52 in. 3 ½ in. 34 in. 3 in. 28 in.

4 in. 38 in. 3 ½ in. 32 in.

4 ½ in. 42 in. 4 in. 36 in.

5 in. 48 in. 4 ½ in. 40 in.

5 ½ in. 54 in. 5 in. 44 in.

6 in. 60 in. 5 ½ in. 48 in.

7 in. 72 in. 6 in. 54 in.

8 in. 84 in. 7 in. 66 in.

9 in. 90 in. 8 in. 78 in.

9 in. 90 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

63

This table should be used to determine the minimum root ball size for natural and semisheared

coniferous evergreens. If caliper measurement of the plant is shown in this table,

height of the plant (e.g., Type 4 plant, 5’ ht., 3½” caliper, will require 34” diameter root

ball).

See Section 4.1.3 and appropriate references to Section 1 root ball diameter guidelines.

Minimum size root balls for dwarf varieties should be equal to those shown for the next

larger size non-dwarf varieties.

Plants dug to the specifications in the following tables should have the trunk or stem of

the plant in the center of the earth ball. A tolerance of 10% of the diameter is the

maximum deviation allowable.

level shall be within a circle 13½ inches from the outer edge of the ball.

FIGURE 28 – Example: trunk in center of earth ball

shall begin at the root flare. Soil above the root flare, from being deeply planted in the

nursery as a young plant, as a result of maintenance practices in the nursery, or added

during harvest, shall not be included in ball depth measurement.

Under certain soil and regional conditions, plants have root systems of proportionately

less depth and greater diameter. These require a more shallow but wider ball to properly

encompass the roots.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

64

Conversely, in other soils and in certain regions roots develop greater depth and less

spread, requiring an exceptionally deep ball, unless it has been demonstrated to the

purchaser or his representative that the plants have been root pruned or undercut.

For the greater part of the country, ball depths will carry the following ratios:

Balls with diameters less than 20 inches — depth not less than 65% of the diameter of the

ball.

Balls with diameters of 20 inches or more — depth not less than 60% of the diameter of

the ball.

FIGURE 29 – Ball Depth Measurement – REVISED GRAPHIC

Burlap or other suitable material shall be biodegradable and shall completely cover the

root ball. This wrapping shall be between the earth ball and the lacing or ball supporting

device.

If used, ball supporting devices, such as wire baskets, shall hold the ball in a firm, rigid

condition.

Collected (Coll.) plants shall be so designated. It is generally recognized that plants

growing in their native state will sustain a much more severe shock when transplanted

than the same kinds of plants when nursery grown.

If collected material is moved, a considerably larger ball than that recommended for

transplanted nursery stock is required, because of the unrestricted root development and

the varying conditions of soil in which such material is found.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

65

The minimum ball size shall be equal to those specified in Table 26 for the next larger

size nursery field grown stock.

For the purposes of this standard, plants collected from wild or native stands may be

considered nursery grown when they have been successfully reestablished in the nursery

row and grown under regular nursery cultural practices for a minimum of two growing

seasons and have attained adequate root and top growth to indicate full recovery from

transplanting into the nursery row.

relatively free of stones and foreign matter, but where plants have had a minimum of

after-care.

Plantation grown nursery stock shall be so designated. The minimum ball size shall be

equal to that specified in Table 26 for the next larger size nursery field grown stock.

Balled and potted plants are nursery field grown plants, dug with a ball of earth still intact

in which they are growing, and which, in lieu of burlapping, are placed in a container to

retain the ball unbroken.

The minimum ball size shall be equal to that specified in Table 26.

It is recognized that balling of nursery grown stock can be accomplished by hand digging

or by mechanical devices especially designed for nursery conditions. The use of digging

machines is an acceptable nursery practice.

guidelines for the appropriate plant type set forth in Section 4.2 Types of Broadleaf

evergreens. Container size shall be by container classification (i.e., not by container

volume) as set forth in the container class table in the Foreword.

In all cases, container grown nursery stock shall meet the following general requirement:

It is recognized that certain containers may be designed or treated to retard circling roots

around the inside of the container, and that they are acceptable in the trade.

The container shall be sufficiently rigid to hold the ball shape and to protect the root mass

during shipping.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

66

secondary specification that should be determined after the desired plant size is

determined. This table should not be used as the basis for rejecting nursery stock based

on the minimum or maximum plant size shown in this table in cases where a specification

only provides a container class designation. In such cases, the parties should refer to the

“general requirement” for all container grown nursery stock (see Section 4.4) to

determine whether the root system complies with the Standard.

references to Section 1 Container Class Guidelines.

Identify every row with a plant size range that includes the desired plant size. (3)

Specify an appropriate container class in the right-hand column of a row in which the

desired plant size falls between the minimum and maximum plant size shown. For

example, a 30” sp. Type 2 plant is included as the maximum plant size for a #5 container

and would NOT be appropriate. A 30” sp. Type 2 plant is included as the minimum plant

size for a #15 container and would NOT be appropriate. The appropriate container class

would be either a #7 or #10, since the 30” sp. plant size falls between the minimum and

maximum plant sizes in those ranges.

one container class larger than shown in this table for the minimum plant size shown.

For example, a “#3” container class designation might be appropriate for a “6 in.” plant

size designation for a dwarf plant.

plant size range (e.g., “12 in. sp.” specification designates size range from 12-inch spread

up to but not including 15-inch spread).

Measurement designates

spread

Measurement designates

height

Min. plant

size

Max. plant

size

Min. plant

size

Max. plant

size

Container

class*

6 in. 12 in. 6 in. 15 in. 1

9 in. 15 in. 12 in. 24 in. 2

12 in. 24 in. 15 in. 3 ft. 3

15 in. 30 in. 18 in. 4 ft. 5

18 in. 4 ft. 24 in. 6 ft. 7

24 in. 5 ft. 30 in. 7 ft. 10

30 in. 6 ft. 4 ft. 8 ft. 15

36 in. 8 ft. 5 ft. 10 ft. 25

42 in. 8 ft. 6 ft. 12 ft. 45

4 ft. 10 ft. 7 ft. 16 ft. 65

5 ft. 12 ft. 8 ft. 20 ft. 100

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

67

*See Container Classification Table in the Foreword.

These specifications are for natural, semi-sheared, or lightly-sheared broadleaf

evergreens field grown in fabric bags, commonly called grow bags. Sheared nursery

stock should reference one size larger than shown in the table. Fabric bag size

specifications are provided in the Foreword.

The following table represents the recommended maximum height for cone-type and

broad upright-type broadleaf evergreens grown in in-ground fabric bags.

3 ft. 10 in.

4 ft. 12 in.

5 ft. 14 in.

6 ft. 16 in.

8 ft. 18 in.

9 ft. 20 in.

10 ft. 22 in.

12 ft. 24 in.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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Section 5: Rose Grades

The standards specified apply only to field-grown garden roses when sold bare root, or

individually wrapped and packaged, or in cartons.

All grades of roses shall have a well-developed root system and have proportionate

weight and caliper according to grade and variety. Roses shall be graded by number and

caliper of canes.

Rose bushes that do not meet these standards for the individual grades are defined as

CULLS.

The grade-sizes for each classification are minimum sizes and not more than 10% of the

rose plants in any bundle shall be below the size specified.

As used in the grade-sizes below, “strong cane” means a cane that is healthy, vigorous,

and fully developed so that it is hardened-off throughout. The caliper of the cane is

measured not higher than 4 inches (10 cm) from the bud union. Finished shipping length

not less than 6 inches (15.0 cm).

not higher than 3 inches (8 cm) from the bud union.

branched not higher than 3 inches (8 cm) from the bud union.

in caliper and up. The second shall be 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) in caliper, branched not higher

than 3 inches (8 cm) from the bud union.

noted that Floribunda roses in this group will normally result in the marketing of rose

bushes which are, on the average, lighter for this class. Polyantha, Shrub, Landscape, and

low growing Floribunda roses may be graded per Section 5.3.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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FIGURE 30 – Hybrid tea, tea, grandiflora, etc., roses

FIGURE 31 – Climbing roses

not higher than 3 inches (8 cm) from the bud union.

branched not higher than 3 inches (8 cm ) from the bud union.

cm) in caliper and up.

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FIGURE 32 – Polyantha roses

FIGURE 33 – Floribunda roses

(minimum standards)

the other 9⁄32 inch (0.7 cm) in diameter or 5 canes, one of which is 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm ) in

diameter and 4 smaller healthy canes.

healthy cane.

canes.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

71

in a balanced fashion.

a balanced fashion.

inches (8 cm) below the bud union, shall be at least 7⁄16 inch (11 mm) in diameter. Bud

development (head) shall have at least two bud eyes and shall be well branched in a

balanced fashion as defined under sections 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4. Standard cane shall be

upright and straight.

inches (8 cm) below the bud union, shall be at least 7⁄16 inch (11 mm) in diameter. Bud

development (head) shall have at least two bud eyes and shall be well branched in a

balanced fashion as defined under the sections 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 with 70 % or more head

development.

Standard cane shall be upright and straight.

described above are defined as Sub Standard.

cm). Standard size measured at 3 inches (8 cm) below the bud union, shall be at least 3⁄8

inches (10 mm) in diameter. Bud development (head) shall have at least two bud eyes

and shall be well branched in a balanced fashion as defined under sections 5.2, 5.3, and

5.4. Standard cane size shall be upright and straight.

Defined As Sub Standard.

Standard size measured at 3 inches (8 cm) below the bud union, shall be at least 5⁄16

inches (8.0 mm) in diameter. Bud development (head) shall have at least two bud eyes

and shall be well branched in a balanced fashion as defined under sections 5.2, 5.3, and

5.4. Standard cane size shall be upright and straight.

defined as Sub Standard.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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FIGURE 34 – Tree roses

All container grown roses shall have been growing in the container in which they are

marketed for a minimum of one month of the active growing season and for a maximum

of two growing seasons. Roses may be cut back to a minimum of 4 inches (10 cm) above

the bud union at the time they are potted and shall comply with the grades in which they

are classified prior to pruning in preparation for potting.

All container grown roses should be sold by both rose grade as specified above and by

minimum plant container size as specified below. Container sizes shall agree with the

container class table in the Foreword.

Rose grade Minimum container size

No. 1 Grade #2 Container

No. 1½ Grade #1 Container

No. 2 Grade #1 Container

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Specifications for young plants may include any one or any combination of the following: the cultural history

of the plant (see Section 6.1.1), the age of the plant (see Section 6.1.1), or the size of the plant in accordance

with the guidelines set forth in Sections 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4. However, exceptions for specifications for unrooted

cuttings and micropropagated plants are noted in Section 6.1.3 and 6.1.4, respectively.

Specifications for container grown plants or plants in plug cells should also include the container classification

or plug tray specification (See Section 6.6).

The cultural history or age of the plant is not as important when height or caliper is specified, but it may be used

in marketing materials or product listings, and may be specified by the purchaser.

When specifying plants by the cultural history or age of the plant, each propagation type or cultural history code

is followed by the number of years applicable to the code. If age is specified, the age of a young plant is the

total of the number of years in the plant history code.

Types Cultural

C = Cutting R = Root pruned

U = Unrooted cutting P = Pot or container

G = Grafted grown

L = Layered T = Transplanted (one T

S = Seedling per time)

M = Micropropagated B = Bed grown

or tissue cultured O = Not transplanted

D = Division

Coll. = Plants collected from the wild shall be so designated.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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C1T2 (3-year plant: 1 year in the cutting bench, then transplanted once for 2 years)

S2T1T1 (4-year plant: 2 years in the seedling bed, transplanted twice for one year each time)

G1R1 (2-year graft, root pruned after first year).

M1T1 (2-year plant: 1 year established ex vitro from micropropagation, then transplanted for 1 year)

The quality of all young plants offered is assumed to be normal for the species or variety unless otherwise

designated.

Unrooted cuttings shall be from vigorous healthy plants. They are to be graded by stem caliper, taken at the

base of the cutting, and length.

Micropropagated plants shipped from the lab may be specified by stage of growth:

In vitro

Stage II is an unrooted shoot tip, often called a “microcutting.”

Stage III is a rooted shoot tip with two or more roots, often called a “rooted plantlet.”

Ex vitro

After acclimation and establishment in media (soilless mix), micropropagated plants shall be specified in

accordance with the appropriate sub-section in the Young Plants section. These plants are usually established

in small pots or plug cells.

Tops or roots will not be pruned unless specified by the grower or requested by the purchaser.

Height measurement is from the ground level to the growing tips. Spread is the average diameter of the top

growth.

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Use 2-in. intervals up to 12 in.

Use 3-in. intervals from 12 in. up.

Use in 3-in. intervals.

Use 6-in. intervals.

Using the appropriate measurement interval shown in Section 6.3, above, measure the plants in accordance with

the appropriate plant type section, below.

Measurement designates fullness, spread, root development, or the length of one side or the diameter of the

container if the plant substantially fills the soil surface in the container.

Measurement designates spread (height not considered).

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Measurement designates height. Height will usually equal spread.

Measurement designates height.

Measurement designates height. Height will usually be twice the spread.

(Kurume hybrid) 'Hinodegiri'

Measurement designates height.

Measurement designates fullness or number of stolons.

Measurement designates number of eye divisions. See Section 12 for plants generally sold in containers larger

than #SP4.

Measurement designates number of fans (stems). Liner grade typically has a single fan or stem. See Section 12

for plants generally sold in containers larger than #SP4.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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See Section 11.

Measurement designates length and/or number of runners, and/or container size.

Conifer liners for Christmas tree plantation and reforestation uses are graded only by height unless caliper is

also specified. When caliper is specified it is by millimeter intervals: 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm. See

Section 10.

Any young plant not meeting above specifications should be labeled "Unclassified."

All container grown young plants shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted, and established in the container in

which they are growing. They shall have tops of good quality and be in a healthy growing condition. A

container grown young plant shall have a well-established root system reaching the sides of the container to

maintain a firm ball.

Specification for young plants sold in containers shall include plant size (height or spread as appropriate for the

plant type in Section 6.4, above) and container size. Container sizes shall agree with the Container Class Table

in the Foreword.

Groundcovers and vines sold in containers larger than #SP4 should be specified in accordance with Section 12.

A plug tray is a continuous sheet with plug cells that are non-detachable. Specifications should include the

number of plug cells per tray and cell size.

Examples: 72 - 1-9/10" x 2-3/16" cells

200 - 1" x 1-1/2" cells

648 - 7/16" x 1/2" cells

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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This section is to cover fruit tree grades.

The quality of fruit tree grades is assumed to be normal for the species or variety unless otherwise designated.

All trees should have reasonably straight trunks according to habit of growth.

Types

C = Cutting

U = Unrooted cutting

G = Grafted

L = Layered

S = Seedling

M = Micropropagated or tissue cultured

D = Division

Cultural

R = Root pruned

P = Pot or container grown

T = Transplanted (one per time)

B = Bed grown

O = Not transplanted

Unrooted cuttings shall be from vigorous growth and may be graded by caliper and length.

If plants are sold from stage II, they need to be designated rooted or unrooted.

After rooted, they shall be graded under section 6, Young Plants standards.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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For purposes of simplicity, only one size per "grade" will be listed. That size will be the minimum size allowable for

that "grade" and shall include plants from that size up to, but not including, the next larger grade size.

calipering at least 3/4-inches, caliper being taken at point indicated below).

All grades 5/16-inch and larger should be branched, except one-year Sweet Cherry, and well rooted. The 5/8-inch,

3/4-inch, and 1-inch sizes should have three or more side branches. Caliper should be taken from the collar. The

caliper shall govern. The height is here intended to represent average height of most varieties. Slow growing kinds

may fall short of height specified.

Age may be given as one year, two years, etc.

It is recognized that "high budding" may be practiced in the nursery to allow for deep planting for tree anchorage,

trunk hardiness, etc. In all cases, however, caliper and height shall be established from trunk positions mentioned

above.

categorized as genetic mutants. Each of these varieties shall be sized according to varietal characteristics.

1/4 in. 0.6 cm 2 ft. 60 cm

5/16 in. 0.8 cm 2½ ft. 80 cm

3/8 in. 1.0 cm 3 ft. 90 cm

1/2 in. 1.5 cm 3½ ft. 1.00 m

5/8 in. 1.6 cm 4 ft. 1.25 m

3/4 in. 2.0 cm 5 ft. 1.50 m

7/8 in. 2.2 cm 5½ ft. 1.65 m

1 in. and up 2.5 cm and up 6 ft. 1.80 m

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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1/4 in. 0.6 cm 2 ft. 60 cm

5/16 in. 0.8 cm 2½ ft. 80 cm

3/8 in. 1.0 cm 3 ft. 90 cm

1/2 in. 1.5 cm 3½ ft. 1.0 m

5/8 in. 1.6 cm 4 ft. 1.25 m

3/4 in. 2.0 cm 4½ ft. 1.4 m

7/8 in. 2.2 cm 4½ ft. 1.4 m

1 in. and up 2.5 cm and up 5 ft. 1.5 m

1/4 in. 0.6 cm 2 ft. 60 cm

5/16 in. 0.8 cm 3 ft. 90 cm

3/8 in. 1.0 cm 3½ ft. 1.0 m

1/2 in. 1.5 cm 4 ft. 1.25 m

5/8 in. 1.6 cm 4½ ft. 1.4 m

3/4 in. 2.0 cm 5 ft. 1.5 m

7/8 in. 2.2 cm 5 ft. 1.5 m

1 in. and up 2.5 cm and up 5½ ft. 1.65 m

A processed balled fruit tree is one dug bare root, while dormant, and a growing medium mechanically is formed in a

ball around the roots.

The minimum ball size specifications for "processed balled" standard and dwarf fruit trees are presented in the

following table.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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¼ in. 8 in.

5/16 in. 8 in.

3/8 in. 10 in.

½ in. 10 in.

5/8 in. 10 in.

¾ in. 12 in.

1 in. and up 12 in.

For fruit tree understock grading sizes, see Section 9.3.3.

In case of seedlings with limbs, there shall be at least 2 inches (5 cm) above the collar free of limbs for a minimum of

one-half of the circumference of the seedling.

In case of apple and pear seedlings, where the root description is given as branched or straight, the following shall

apply:

collar.

In the case of fruit understock grown from "C", "L" or "M" (see Section 7.1.2) the caliper shall be taken on the

original cutting or layer at a point 10 inches (25 cm) above the collar.

All forms of vegetatively propagated fruit rootstocks shall have a minimum of four rootlets on each cutting or layer.

grade and the minimum numbers of rootlets specified.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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Citrus stocks are to be graded in 1/8-inch increments, beginning with 3/8-inch minimum caliper up to the 3/4-inch

size. Recognized grades above 3/4-inch size shall be in increments of 1/4-inch.

Age is to be given in years. Caliper is to be taken 1/2-inch (1.5 cm) above the bud union. Minimum size to be 3/8-

inch (1 cm), except that tangerine, mandarin, or lime trees may be sold in 5/16-inch (8 cm) caliper.

All container grown fruit trees shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted, and established in the container in which they

are growing. They shall have tops of good quality (leaf color appropriate for cultivar and no apparent injury) and be

in a healthy growing condition. A container grown fruit tree shall have a well-established root system reaching the

sides of the container to maintain a firm ball.

All container grown fruit trees sold in containers shall be graded by plant size (height or spread designated), or caliper

and container size. Container sizes shall agree with the container class table in the Foreword.

The following tables indicate approved marketing nomenclature for specific rootstocks, interstems and

rootstock/scion combinations. All sales literature and size claims should be based on these tables.

TABLE 33 - APPLE ROOTSTOCKS/INTERSTEMS

EMLA.27

P.22

M.9/MM.111

M.9/MM.106

Bud.9/MM.111

Bud.9/MM.106

C-6/seedling

EMLA.9

Bud.9

MARK

EMLA.26

G.16

**NAKB M.9

**NIC.29

**Pajam.1

**Pajam.2

EMLA.7

G.30

Ott.3

G.11

Supporter®4

Spur-Type

cultivars

grafted on

semistandard

&

standard

rootstock

EMLA.111

EMLA.106

Bud.118

Malus domestica

“Yellow Del” CV

Malus domestica

“Antanovka” CV

Malus domestica

“Northern Spy” CV

*Trees grown with dwarf interstem grafted in the trunk between the roots and fruiting scions are categorized in the

same size category as if the tree was grown on that root.

**All are clones of M.9

Bud.9=Budagovsky 9 Bud 118=Budagovsky 118

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

83

C=Charles Day

EMLA=East Malling Lansing

G=Geneva

MARK=Mac 9

MM.106=Malling-

Merton 106

Ott.3=Ottawa 3

P.22=Polish 22

The above Table 33 illustrates relative dwarfing induced to a fruiting variety by the process of grafting onto a

rootstock compared to the same variety grafted onto a rootstock of standard size.

TABLE 34 - PEAR ROOTSTOCKS

EMLA

Quince A

EMLA

Quince C

OhxF333

OHxF40

(Brooks™ selections)

Province Quince

BA-29 Quince

Pyrodwarf®

Bien Donne™ 1

OHxF97

OHxF217

OHxF87

(Brooks™ selections)

Pyrus betulaefolia seedling

Pyrus ussuriensis sedling

Pyrus communis seedling

Pyrus calleryana seedling

Bien Donne™ 3

Pyrus Winter Nelis seedling

OHxF=Old Home x Farmingdale

EMLA=East Malling Lansing

The above Table 34 illustrates relative dwarfing induced to a fruiting variety by the process of grafting onto a

rootstock compared to the same variety grafted onto a rootstock of standard size.

TABLE 35 – PEACH, NECTARINE, AND ALMOND ROOTSTOCKS

Cultivars that are

genetically less than 50

percent of standard

size peach regardless

of rootstock

Honey babe Peach

Nectar Babe Nectarine

Garden Prince Almond

Prunus Pumiselect™ EMLA St.

Julian A

Citation

Jaspi™

Fereley CV

Julior™

Ferdor CV

Prunus St. Julian

Inra.2

Nemaguard

seedling

Prunus persica

‘Lovell’ seedling

Ishtara™

Ferciana CV

*‘Hansen’ 536

*Paramount™

GF677 CV

*Cadaman™

Avimag CV

*Viking

*Barrier™

*Atlas

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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The above Table 35 illustrates relative dwarfing induced to a fruiting variety by the process of grafting onto a

rootstock compared to the same variety grafted onto a rootstock of standard size.

TABLE 36 – PLUM AND APRICOT ROOTSTOCKS

Pixy®

Prunus Pumiselct™

EMLA St. Julian A

Stark® Redleaf Peach

Citation

Prunus St. Julian A

Inra.2 seeding

Jaspi™

Fereley CV

Julior™

Ferdor CV

Marianna 26-24

Torianel™

Avifel CV

Ishtara™ Ferciana CV

Marianna M.40 CV

Prunus persica

‘Lovell’ seedling

Prunus cerasifera

Myrobalan seedling

Prunus americana

Prunus armeniaca

Apricot seedling

Myrobalan H29-C

Marianna 4001

Marianna GF8-1

Nemaguard seedling

TABLE 37 – CHERRY ROOTSTOCKS

Gisela™5

GM 61/1 Damil CV

Gisela™12

Maxma™14

Brokforest CV

Gisela™6

Mahaleb seedling

EMLA Colt

MxM™6

MxM™2

Prunus avium (Mazzard

seedling)

Prunus avium F 12/1

The above Table 37 illustrates relative dwarfing induced to a fruiting variety by the process of grafting onto a

rootstock compared to the same variety grafted onto a rootstock of standard size.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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Section 8: Small Fruits

This section is to cover small fruits.

The quality of small fruits is assumed to be normal for the species or variety unless

otherwise designated.

All small fruit plants shall be well rooted. No injured, stunted, or odd shaped plants shall

be included in any grade.

Types

C = Cutting

U = Unrooted cutting

G = Grafted

L = Layered

S = Seedling

M = Micropropagated or tissue cultured

D = Division

Cultural

R = Root pruned

P = Pot or container grown

T = Transplanted (one per time)

B = Bed grown

O = Not transplanted

Unrooted cuttings shall be from vigorous growth and may be graded by caliper and

length.

In vitro

Micropropagated plants in vitro shall be graded by length.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

86

They also may be designated as stage II.

If plants are sold from stage II, they need to be designated rooted or unrooted.

Ex vitro

After rooted, they shall be graded under section 6, Young Plants standards.

and up in caliper at collar; sucker plants should have 10 inches or more of live top; tip

plants, 8 inches or more live tops; and well rooted with at least one cross root below

crown, i.e., “L” or “T” root(s).

collar; sucker and root cutting plants to have 8 inches or more of live top; tip plants, 6

inches or more of live tops, and all proportionately well rooted.

have 12 inches or more of live top, and be well rooted.

top, and be well rooted with at least one cross root below crown, i.e., “L” or “T” root(s).

inch and up at collar and have 12 inches or more of live top, and be well rooted.

caliper 1⁄8 inch and up at collar and have 8 inches or more of live top, and be

proportionately well rooted.

top, and be well rooted.

branches, and be well rooted.

12 inches high, and be well rooted.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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All measurements to indicate overall height of plant from crown to tip of plants. All

well branched in proportion to height. For purposes of simplicity, only one size per

“grade” will be listed. That size will be the minimum size allowable for that “grade” and

shall include plants from that size up to, but not including, the next larger grade size.

1-year Rooted Cuttings . . . . . . 3 in.

2-year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 in.

3-year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 in.

4-year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 in.

or equivalent side branches, and be well rooted.

or equivalent side branches, and be well rooted.

Grading of grape vines is based mainly on root system.

top; stronger growing varieties should be proportionately larger and all well rooted.

growers should be proportionately larger and all be well rooted.

a minimum crown diameter of 5⁄16 inch measured at the base.

percent of the root system shall exceed 5 inches in length.

root system shall exceed 7 inches in length.

root system shall exceed 5 inches in length.

of the root system shall exceed 10 inches in length.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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All container grown small fruits shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted, and established

in the container in which they are growing. They shall have tops of good quality (leaf

color appropriate for cultivar and no apparent injury) and be in a healthy growing

condition. A container grown small fruit plant shall have a well-established root system

reaching the sides of the container to maintain a firm ball.

All container grown small fruits sold in containers shall be graded by plant size (height or

spread designated) or caliper, and container size. Container sizes shall agree with the

container class table in the Foreword.

FIGURE 35 – Strawberries – minimum requirements

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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Section 9: Understock

The quality of all understock offered is assumed to be normal for the species or variety

unless otherwise designated. It is essential that the stem be reasonably straight.

Tops or roots may be trimmed as specified by grower or requested by purchaser.

Evergreens should be transplanted frequently enough to create a good root system.

In order to produce a fibrous root system, species such as firs, pines, and similar sorts,

which normally make a few coarse roots, should be transplanted every two years, and

make better roots.

make a few coarse roots, should be transplanted every year, while those producing a good

system of fibrous roots may be transplanted every second year.

Types

C = Cutting

U = Unrooted cutting

L = Layered

S = Seedling

M = Micropropagated or tissue cultured

D = Division

Cultural

R = Root pruned

P = Pot or container grown

T = Transplanted (one per time)

B = Bed grown

O = Not transplanted

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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Unrooted cuttings shall be from vigorous growth and may be graded by caliper, taken at

the base of the cutting, and length.

who shall indicate if he or she wants height only or height and caliper.

purchaser.

1⁄16 in. (1.5 mm)

1⁄8 in. (3 mm)

3⁄16 in. (5 mm)

1⁄4 in. (7 mm)

3⁄8 in. (10 mm)

1⁄2 in. (1.5 cm

5⁄8 in. (1.6 cm)

3⁄4 in. (2 cm)

1 in. (2.5 cm)

mm) up to but not including 3⁄8-inch (1.0 cm) caliper.

There will be no limbs on one side of the seedling for at least 2 inches above the collar to

ensure a budding or grafting area.

In case of Apple and Pear seedlings, where the root description is given as branched or

straight, the following shall apply:

inches (15 cm) from the collar.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

91

Stem caliper shall be taken 10 inches above the bottom of the layer (basal cut).

On original hardwood cuttings, caliper is taken at the top of the cutting.

On cuttings with new growth above the original hardwood cutting, caliper and length are

taken two inches up on the new growth.

Caliper shall be taken at the collar or ground line.

In vitro

Micropropagated plants in vitro shall be graded by length. They also may be designated

as stage II.

If plants are sold from stage II, they need to be designated rooted or unrooted.

Ex vitro

After rooted, they shall be graded under the Young Plants standards.

Any rootstocks not meeting the above specifications should be labeled “unclassified.”

Evergreens should be transplanted frequently enough to create a good root system, which

will ensure a minimum of transplanting loss, and to give the top room enough to start the

branch framework properly, making a well-shaped specimen when placed in the nursery

row.

which normally make a few coarse roots, should be transplanted every two to three years,

four years, as they naturally make better roots.

make a few coarse roots, should be transplanted every year, while those producing a good

system of fibrous roots may be transplanted every second year only.

Trimming is also necessary to ensure a proper foundation for a good shape in the finished

plant, although frequent transplanting will usually avoid the necessity of severe trimming.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

92

Caliper shall be taken at the collar or ground line and grades shall correspond to the

following calipers:

1⁄16 in. 1⁄8 in. 1⁄4 in.

3⁄32 in. 3⁄16 in. 3⁄8 in.

All container grown understock shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted, and established in

the container in which they are growing. They shall have tops of good quality (leaf color

appropriate for cultivar and no apparent injury) and be in a healthy growing condition.

Container grown understock shall be containerized a sufficient time so as to have a wellestablished

root system reaching the sides of the container to maintain a firm ball.

All container grown understock sold in containers shall be graded by caliper (except

micropropagated plants, see section 9.3.2.4), and container size. Container sizes shall

agree with the container class table in the Foreword.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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Section 10: Seedling Trees and Shrubs

The quality of all seedling trees and shrubs is assumed to be normal for the species or

variety unless otherwise designated. All plants are to have developed root systems, to be

free of insects and diseases as well as mechanical injuries, and in all respects to be

suitable for field planting. All conifers shall have dormant buds (except in the South) and

secondary needles.

At the option of the purchaser, other special restrictions may be specified.

Tops or roots will not be trimmed unless specified by grower or requested by purchaser.

Types

C = Cutting

U = Unrooted cutting

G = Grafted

L = Layered

S = Seedling

M = Micropropagated or tissue cultured

D = Division

Cultural

R = Root pruned

P = Pot or container grown

T = Transplanted (one per time)

B = Bed grown

O = Not transplanted

Coll. = Plants collected from the wild shall be so designated.

Age = Sum of numbers following above codes.

each transplanting).

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

94

Age is not important when height or caliper is specified; however, it may be used in

listings or demanded by purchaser.

When caliper is important, measurements are taken at root collar or ground line.

When heights are to govern, the caliper specification is minimum, and when caliper is to

govern, the height specification is minimum.

1/16 in. 3 in. 4 in.

3/32 in. 3 in. 5 in.

1/8 in. 6 in. 6 in.

3/16 in. 12 in. 8 in.

¼ in. 18 in. 10 in.

3/8 in. 24 in. 12. in.

3 in. 1/16 in. 4 in.

6 in. 1/16 in. 4 in.

12 in. 3/32 in. 5 in.

18 in. 1/8 in. 6 in.

2 ft. 3/16 in. 8 in.

3 ft. ¼ in. 10 in.

4 ft. 3.8 in. 10 in.

5 ft. 7/16 in. 12 in.

*Suggested for commercial nurseries furnishing or purchasing stock for the retail

trade, and still comply with demands for calipered stock.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

95

For coniferous evergreens, height shall govern.

6 in. 1/16 in.

9 in. 1/8 in.

12 in. 3/16 in.

All container grown seedling trees and shrubs shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted, and

established in the container in which they are growing. They shall have tops of good

quality and be in a healthy growing condition. A container grown young plant shall be in

that container a sufficient time that fibrous roots are formed so the shape will remain and

the medium will hold together when removed from the container.

All container growing seedling trees and shrubs sold in containers shall be graded by plant size or caliper,

and container size. Container sizes shall agree with the container class table on page ii of the Foreword.

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

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Section 11: Bulbs, Corms, and Tubers

Bulbs and corms are generally sold under grade names such as “forcing size,” “top-size,”

“large,” etc. In the case of narcissus and daffodils, the designations of “double nose,” to

indicate a split bulb, and “round,” are used.

With some groups, such as hyacinths, the grade names indicate usage; for example,

“exhibition” and “forcing” sizes, and sizes more suitable for outdoor bedding purposes.

At the grower and wholesale levels, where more precise size information is imperative,

actual size in inches or centimeters has been standard in the trade. With the need for

international uniformity, size designations in most instances will be expressed in

centimeters in circumference. In some instances this type of measurement is not feasible

(e.g., daffodils, peonies, caladiums, etc.), and another criterion (e.g., weight) is used.

Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference.

Jumbo 36 cm. and up (14 ¼ in. and up)

Exhibition 32 cm. (12 ¾ in.)

Fancy 30 cm. (12 in.)

Large 26 cm. (10 ¼ in.)

Medium 22 cm. (8 ¾ in.)

Small 20 cm. (8 in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of diameter.

Extra large 7 cm. (2 ¾ in. and up)

Large 6 cm. (2 ½ in.)

Medium 5 cm. (2 in.)

Small 4 cm. (1 ½ in.)

American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

97

Designated by centimeters or inches of diameter.

Giant 6 cm. and up (2 ½ in. and up)

Extra large 5 cm. (2 in.)

Large 4 cm. (1 ½ in.)

Medium 3 cm. (1 ¼ in.)

Small 2 cm. ( ¾ in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of diameter.

Giant 8 cm. and up (3 in. and up)

Large 6 cm. (2 ½ in.)

Standard 5 cm. (2 in.)

Medium 4 cm. (1 ½ in.)

Small 2 cm. ( ¾ in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of diameter.

Top 19 cm. and up (7 ½ in. and up)

Large 5 cm. (2 in.)

Medium 4 cm. (1 ½ in.)

Small 3 cm. (1 ¼ in.)

Number of “eyes” or “buds” per root to be indicated. Any root with less than 2 “eyes”

should not be offered to the public, but may be suitable for growing on in the nursery, or

for potting or bedding purposes.

Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference.

Large 10 cm. and up (4 in. and up)

Medium 6 – 8 cm. (2 ½ - 3 in.)

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Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference.

Top 9 cm. and up (3 ½ in. and up)

Large 8 cm. (3 in.)

Medium 7 cm. (2 ¾ in.)

Small 6 cm. (2 ½ in.)

Designated by weight in grams. Each division shall have a portion of live crown and at

least 1 “eye” or “bud.”

No. 1 100 grams (or more)

No. 2 80 grams

Designated by centimeters or inches of diameter.

Extra large 7 cm. (2 ¾ in. and up)

Large 6 cm. (2 ½ in.)

Medium 5 cm. (2 in.)

Small 4 cm. (1 ½ in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference.

Jumbo 14 cm. and up (5 ½ in. and up)

Large No. 1 12 cm. (4 ¾ in.)

Large No. 2 10 cm. (4 in.)

Medium No. 3 8 cm. (3 in.)

Medium No. 4 6 cm. (2 ½ in.)

Small No. 5 4 cm. (1 ½ in.)

Small No. 6 3 cm. (1 ¼ in.)

No Grade/No. 7 Under 3 cm. (Under 1 ¼ in.)

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Designated by centimeters or inches of diameter.

Giant 6 cm. and up (2 ½ in. and up)

Extra large 5 cm. (2 in.)

Large 4 cm. (1 ½ in.)

Medium 3 cm. (1 ¼ in.)

Small 2 cm. ( ¾ in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference.

Top forcing 19 cm. and up (7 ½ in. and up)

Large forcing 18 cm. (7 in.)

Medium forcing 17 cm. (6 ¾ in.)

Top bedding 16 cm. (6 3/8 in.)

Large bedding 15 cm. (6 in.)

Medium bedding 14 cm. (5 ½ in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches in circumference.

For large bulb varieties such as ‘Wedgewood,’ ‘Ideal,’ ‘Prof. Blaauw,’ and ‘Blue Magic’:

Top 10 cm. and up (4 in. and up)

Large 9 cm. (3 ½ in.)

Medium 8 cm. (3 in.)

For smaller bulb varieties such as ‘Excelsior,’ ‘White Van Vlict,’ ‘Imperator,’ ‘Golden

Harvest,’ ‘H.C. Van Vlict,’ and ‘White Perfection’:

Top 8 cm. and up (3 in. and up)

Large 7 cm. (2 ¾ in.)

Medium 6 cm. (2 ½ in.)

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Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference

No. 1 Flowering Size 10 cm. and up (4 in. and up)

No. 2 Liner Size 8 cm. (3 in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference. Various species of lilies produce

different size bulbs. These generally fall into two groups: the large bulb species such as

‘Regal’ and ‘Easter’; and the smaller bulb species such as ‘Tigrinum,’ ‘Umbellatum,’ and

‘Midcentury.’

Large Bulb Species Smaller Bulb Species

24 cm. (9 ½ in.) 18 cm. (7 in. and up)

22 cm. (8 ¾ in.) 16 cm. (63⁄8 in.)

20 cm. (8 in.) 14 cm. (5 ½ in.)

18 cm. (7 1/8 in.) 12 cm. (4 ¾ in.)

16 cm. (63⁄8 in.) 10 cm. (4 in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference.

Top 9 cm. and up (3 ½ in. and up)

Large 8 cm. (3 in.)

Medium 7 cm. (2 ¾ in.)

Narcissus bulbs are designated either as “double nose” (DN) or “round” (RN), and should

be size-graded as DN I, DN II, DN III, or RN I, RN II, or RN III, or by using the

appropriate “Top,” “Large,” or “Medium” designations, as shown below.

Double nose means that bulbs show evidence of producing two or more flowers. Due to

Krelage,” “Sempre Avanti”) or smaller than the average (e.g., “Poeticus,” “White Sail”).

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The following chart shows examples of the number of DN bulbs per 50-liter basket for

each size designation:

(Size)

Top Large Med.

DN I DN II DN III

Trumpet 200 275 375

‘E.H. Krelage’ 175 250 350

‘Magnificence’ 250 325 450

Large Cup 200 275 375

‘Fortune’ 225 300 400

‘Sempre Avanti’ 175 250 350

Small Cup 300 400 550

‘Barret Browning’ 200 275 375

‘Verger’ 275 350 450

Tazetta 275 350 475

‘Geranium’ 250 325 450

Poeticus 400 550 700

‘Actea’ 275 350 475

Double 300 400 550

‘Cheerfulness’ 275 350 475

‘Texas’ 250 325 450

‘White Sail’ 400 550 700

Round means single-nosed bulbs which are fairly circular in cross-section.

While size may vary from the norm for certain cultivars, generally the sizes are:

RD I Top 14 cm. and up (5 ½ in. and up)

RD II Large 12 cm. (4 ¾ in.)

RD III Medium 10 cm. (4 in.)

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A type of bulb normally much smaller than other types of narcissus.

Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference.

Top 16 cm. and up (63⁄8 in. and up)

Large 15 cm. (6 in.)

Medium 14 cm. (5 ½ in.)

Small 12 cm. (4 ¾ in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of diameter.

Giant 8 cm. (3 in. and up)

Extra large 7 cm. (2 ¾ in.)

Large 6 cm. (2 ½ in.)

Medium 5 cm. (2 in.)

Small 4 cm. (1 ½ in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of circumference.

Top 12 cm. and up (4 ¾ in. and up)

Large 11 cm. (4 ½ in.)

Medium 10 cm. (4 in.)

Small 9 cm. (3 ½ in.)

Designated by centimeters or inches of diameter.

Top 19 cm. and up (4 in. and up)

First 8 cm. (3 in.)

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Section 12: Herbaceous Perennials, Ornamental Grasses,

Groundcovers, and Vines

Plants in this section should be specified by the form in which they are marketed:

container grown, bare root, or field potted (see Section 12.1.1).

Specifications for certain container grown plants in this section shall include both plant

size and container size, while specifications for other container grown plants in this

section may include only container size. Even when only container size is required,

specifiers are encouraged to also include a minimum plant size.

Propagation methods (Section 12.1.2) may also be specified.

container class from the table in the Foreword.

field. Specify as “FP.”

The following codes should be used to designate propagation methods.

D = division

S = seedling

C = cutting

G = grafted

L = layered

M = micropropagated or tissue cultured

Coll. = Individual plants collected directly from the wild or collected from the wild and

grown on in a nursery.

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All container grown plants shall be healthy, vigorous, well rooted, and established in the

container in which they are growing. A container grown plant shall have a wellestablished

root system reaching the sides of the container to maintain a firm root ball,

but shall not have excessive root growth encircling the inside of the container.

Specifications for plants included in this section shall include both plant size and

container size. Specific standards are used for these perennials due to certain

rhizomatous, tuberous or other growth habits. Container sizes indicated are

recommended minimums for the listed plant size.

1-2 eye division: #SP4 container

2-3 eye division: #SP5 container

3-5 eye division: #1 container

5 eye and larger: #2 container

1-2 eye division: #SP4 container

2-3 eye division: #SP5 container

3-5 eye division: #1 container

5 eye and larger: #2 container

1-fan (stem) division, blooming size: #SP4 container

1 or 2 fan (stem) division, heavy root system: #SP5 container

Fan (stem) divisions of dwarf and miniature Daylilies are usually smaller than normal,

while those of tetraploid Daylilies are generally larger.

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1-Fan liner 1-Fan division (blooming size) 1-2 Fan division (heavy)

1 eye, light grade: #SP4 container

1 eye, heavy grade (well rooted): #SP5 container

1-2 eye, heavy grade: #1 container

1-2 fan (stem) division (at least 1 fan blooming size): #SP4 container

2-3 fan (stem) heavy blooming size division: #1 container

Bearded Iris—Dwarf, intermediate, and tall classifications:

Small non-blooming size rhizome: #SP4 container

Large blooming size rhizome: #SP5 container

2-3 eye division: #SP5 container

3-5 eye division: #1 container

5 eye and up: #2 container

All eyes counted shall be flowering eyes, or large nonflowering eyes on heavy roots.

Small “eye” buds shall not be counted.

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1-2 Eye Division 2-3 Eye division

3-5 Eye division 5 Eye and up

Light one-year plant: #SP4 container

Heavy one-year plant (bare root, field-grown): #SP5 container

Herbaceous perennials not included in Section 12.2, above, shall be specified and sold by

container class as shown in the container classification table in the Foreword. The root

mass of the plant shall satisfy the requirement stated in Section 12.1.3, above.

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Ornamental grasses shall be specified and sold by container class as shown in the

container classification table in the Foreword. The root mass of the plant shall satisfy the

requirement stated in Section 12.1.3, above.

Groundcovers shall be specified and sold by container class as shown in the container

classification table in the Foreword. The root mass of the plant shall satisfy the

requirement stated in Section 12.1.3, above. It may be helpful to include additional

information in the specification, such as the number of runners. For plants sold in

containers smaller than an #SP4, see Section 6.

Specifications for vines may include stake height, if applicable, or minimum length, and

container class as shown in the container classification table in the Foreword. The root

mass of the plant shall satisfy the requirement stated in Section 12.1.3, above. The

longest trail of the vine shall reach at least the length of the stake (e.g., “Hedera helix,

staked, 18” ht., #2)

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SECTION 13: CHRISTMAS TREE STANDARDS

The standard herewith shall conform to the standards promulgated by the United States Department of

Agriculture, effective April 1, 1973, and as thereafter may be revised. These standards are based on the factors

of density, taper, balance, foliage, and deformities and are classified as U.S. Premium, U.S. No. 1 or U.S.

Choice, U.S. No. 2 or U.S. Standard, and Culls. Copies of these standards are available from the Fresh Products

Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Quality Division, Food Safety and Quality Service, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.

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BALLED & BURLAPPED (B & B). Plants established in the ground which have been prepared

for transplanting by digging so that the soil immediately around the roots remains undisturbed.

The ball of earth containing the roots of the plant is then bound up in burlap or similar mesh

fabrics.

BALLED AND POTTED (B & P). Plants dug with a ball of earth and placed in a container in

lieu of burlapping.

BARE -ROOT (B.R.). Harvested plants from which the soil or growing medium has been

removed.

BRANCH. An outgrowing shoot, stem or twig that grows from the main stem or trunk.

CALIPER. In the landscape or nursery trade, this is the diameter of a tree, measured at a point 6

inches above the ground line if the resulting measurement is no more than 4 inches. If the

resulting measurement is more than 4 inches, the measurement is made at a point 12 inches above

the ground line. This in contrast to the method used to measure caliper in the timber industry,

which is to make the measurement at a point 4½ feet above the ground line, or the "diameter

breast height” (DBH).

CANE. A primary stem which starts at a point not higher than ¼ the height of the plant.

COLLAR. The line of junction between the root of a plant and its stem or trunk. Also called

“Root Collar.”

COLLECTED PLANT. A plant that has been gathered from the wild or taken from an

established landscape planting; not grown in a nursery.

CONTAINER. A flat, pot, tub, etc., usually made of plastic, wood, ceramic, or metal, used to

grow or hold one or more plants and which generally prevents the growth of roots beyond its side

walls or bottom. (See “Grow Bag,” below).

CONTAINER GROWN PLANT. A plant grown and marketed in a container (See also “Pot in

Pot.”)

CROWN. The portion of a tree comprising the branches.

EYE. A dormant bud on a corm, tuber, or root division from which a stem will develop when the

corm or tuber is planted.

FIELD POTTED. See Balled and Potted.

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GRADE. A grade is a classification unit based on a specific size or size range, number of stems

or canes, etc. For the purposes of this Standard, grade is not intended to describe quality, except

for Roses (see Section 5).

GROW BAG. Also called in-ground fabric bags. An in-ground fabric bag is a porous bag into

which liner plants are placed for growing on to landscape size. Root growth through the bag is

restricted,

GROWTH HABIT. The mode or rate of growth, general shape, mature size, and branching

structure of a plant, including the changes which take place seasonally during its life cycle (e.g.,

deciduous, flowering, fruiting, etc.).

HEIGHT. Unless otherwise specified, the vertical distance between the collar or ground line and

the top of the stem, measured in the plant’s natural position. Techniques for proper measurement

are determined by the particular growth habit of the plant, and may not always extend to the tip of

the stem.

MEDIUM. A mixture of two or more ingredients such as soil, peat moss, perlite, ground bark,

sand, etc., in which a container plant has been grown.

NURSERY STOCK. Plants grown in or obtained from a nursery.

PLUG. A cylinder of medium in which a plant is grown. The term is generally used to describe

seedlings and rooted cuttings that have been removed from the container but with the medium

held intact by the roots.

POT IN POT. A method of container-grown nursery production whereby a container is placed

into another larger container which has been placed in or on the ground, surrounded by soil or

mulching material, to aid in weed control and fertilization processes, maintain a more constant

media temperature, and prevent the plant from being blown over by winds.

PROCESSED BALLED PLANT. A plant dug bare root, while dormant, to which a moist

growing medium is added around the roots to form a ball designed to sustain plant growth.

ROOT BALL. The intact ball of earth or growing medium containing the roots of a nursery

plant.

ROOT COLLAR. See COLLAR.

ROOT FLARE or TRUNK FLARE. The area at the base of the plant’s stem or trunk where the

stem or trunk broadens to form roots; the area of transition between the root system and the stem

or trunk.

ROOT PRUNING. The systematic pruning of roots of nursery plants growing in the field, in

order to stimulate branching of roots and the production of fibrous roots.

SPREAD. A term used to indicate the horizontal width of a shrub or the crown of a tree.

Techniques for proper measurement are determined by the particular growth habit of the plant,

and may not always be the maximum distance between any two branch tips.

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UNDERSTOCK, OR ROOTSTOCK. The term used to describe that part of a plant, including the

collar and roots, on which another variety has been budded or grafted.

TRUNK. That portion of a stem or stems of a tree before branching occurs.

TRUNK FLARE. See ROOT FLARE.

WHIP. A young tree without branches. In some species and grades, spurs may be present.

WHORL. The arrangement of three or more buds, leaves, flowers, or twigs at the same node.

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The following table was prepared in cooperation with the Canadian Nursery Trades Association to

assist in nursery trade between the U.S. and Canada as well as with other countries using metric.

The following “metric equivalents” are suggested for use in sizing nursery plants:

For plants sized by height or spread For plants sized by caliper

U.S. measure Metric measure U.S. measure Metric measure

4.5 ft. 1.37 m. 1 in. 25.4 mm.

7 ft. 2.13 m. 2 in. 50.0 mm.

9 ft. 2.74 m. 3 in. 76.0 mm.

12 ft. 3.66 m. 4 in. 100.0 mm.

16 ft. 4.88 m. 5 in. 130.0 mm.

20 ft. 6.10 m. 6 in. 150.0 mm.

7 in. 180.0 mm.

8 in. 200.0 mm.

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Recommendation to Revise American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1-2004)

American Nursery & Landscape Association

1000 Vermont Ave., NW Suite 500

Washington, DC 20005

Phone: 202/789-2900 Fax: 202/789-1893 email: wquinn@anla.org

Name __________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________

Firm, organization, or subcommittee: _____________________________________________________________

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

E-mail:

Section/Paragraph(s):

Subject/Problem:

I recommend that:

Note: Copy this form - do not remove this page from the book. All recommendations must be in writing. Be

solution, and provide references to any resources which the Committee should review in making its determination

regarding your recommendation. Attach additional pages. You will receive a written response.

Received on ____________________________ By __________________________________________________

Presented to Committee on ________________ Response sent on ___________________ By ________________

Passed on ______________________________ Rejected on ___________________________________________

Subject for further study ________________________________________________________________________

Notes: