Research at Possibility Place Nursery

Here at Possibility Place Nursery, we do not believe in the status quo. We are constantly testing species, fertilizers, soil mixes and transplant ability. We believe that the customer's success in growing plants begins with us at the nursery. Many of these studies are performed in-house, while others are performed elsewhere. In these outside studies, we have either donated plant material, consulting, or both. Currently we are conducting three outside studies.

A scientific study on bur oak was performed in conjunction with Olympia Fields Country Club and Western Illinois University. Fifteen balled and burlapped (B&B) and fifteen root bag (RB) grown oaks were planted in the spring of 1998. An additional fifteen B&B and fifteen RB trees were laces in above ground containers in the spring of 1998 and planted in the middle of August. The results are now being tabulated for publication later this year. A quick glance at the data suggests that the trees planted in August were the clear winners.

A second study is currently being conducted with Iowa State University. We are testing transplant ability of four species: bur oak, chinquapin oak, blue beech, and American linden. One hundred trees were planted during the spring, late summer, and fall in an effort to determine optimal planting time. The study will be completed soon!

The third study using plugs, five-gallon containers and 1.5" caliper trees is being conducted on DuPage County Forest Preserve's Green Valley Landfill. We don't know of a worse site to test plants than on this highly compacted clay site that is exposed to all of nature's elements, particularly the wind. It is one very tough growing site!!

Once the results of these studies are compiled, they will be available to all interested parties. Feel free to call us for updates!