When moving nursery stock, care should be taken to

• A. Keep the root ball intact
• B. Shield the plants from wind and sun
• C. Avoid breaking limbs
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Moving nursery stock requires minimizing stress and physical damage during handling. Keeping the root ball intact protects the root system and the surrounding soil that anchors and nourishes the plant, helping it recover once transplanted. Shielding the plants from wind and sun reduces rapid water loss and heat stress, which can dry out and damage foliage and tender tissues. Avoiding breakage of limbs prevents additional wounds that can invite pests and diseases and compromise the plant’s ability to recover. Each step addresses a different risk during movement, so using all of them together gives the best chance for successful establishment.