Testing is done in two annual periods, one for stock quality assessment (SQA) and the other for shoot frost hardiness (SFH). All testing is done in-house.

Stock quality assessment takes place between January and June. Frozen received stock is thawed before being planted in pots and kept in growth chambers for a period of seven days. After removal, individual seedlings are evaluated in terms of root growth, bud development, and photosynthetic function. A confidential written report is provided for each grower client.

Shoot frost hardiness testing assesses the rate and efficiency of natural shut-down in seedlings as they prepare to over-winter. It is done between September and December. The electrical conductivity method is used in the procedure, and confidential written reports are provided to grower clients.

KBM’s tree seedling lab forms an important link in the propagation of our future forests.