Page 6 - 3 Methods of Tree Shaping

1. Aeroponic root shaping

Aeroponic is a process of

growing fig roots in a nutrient
rich mist to achieve lengths of 6
meters or more, allowing roots

to remain flexible enough to be
shaped at a later date. According to US
3 Methods of T
Patent No. 7,328,532, trees grown aero-

ponically stay “soft” and so can be subsequently
shaped to form ornamental or functional

structures. As the root of the fig thickens so does the
design. New designs and techniques are being put

forward as eco-architecture, which may
ree Shaping
allow designers to grow and shape large
structures such as homes.

Commercial applications of the
research are being developed by
Plantware now called Treenova-

tion, a company founded in 2002. Fig tree
seat created by
Treenovation CEO Ezekiel Golan Treenovation using the techniques as described at their web site.
hopes the first home prototype will www.TreeNovation.com
be ready in about a decade. While
this method of “growing your own home” can take years, the result is long

lasting and, according to Ezekiel, particularly desirable in this emerging age
of green architecture.

In our opinion the Cons of Aeroponic root shaping outweight the Pros,

except in specialised circumstances. Here are the Pros.

Pros Aeroponic root shaping

• Quick - If research proves the conjectures of this company correct many

designs are possible, and could bring tree shaping into the reach of the
impatient.

• Large scale - Once set up this could produce large quantities of trees for
companies wanting to create large growing infrastructure.

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