Bare Root Trees - Permaculture vs. Forester

I asked a forestry expert about the Holzer technique of harshly exposing bare root trees, roots and all, to the elements for a time before planting them to increase the chances of independent survival. He said that the trees are dormant and that the technique would have no effect.

Why does this work for Sepp?

My understanding is that he does this with trees that are NOT dormant; in one of his books he explains that he discovered the technique as a child when he dug up some fruit trees to transplant during the growing season. Leaves would transpire all the tree's moisture and cause it to die, so stripping them permits the roots to recover; once this occurs, the tree will sprout new leaves. Unless I missed something, that's the rationale.

When Sepp gets trees from a nursery they have been watered daily, fed constantly, and completely babied for their entire life. If such a tree comes to his mountain side farm it has no chance for survival. To remedy this problem Sepp gives the plant a large stress before he plants them on his farm. This causes the plant to draw all of it's energy to it's core and fight for it's life. This treatment forces the plant to only use it's energy where it is most needed, the roots. By concentrating it's energy the tree is able to survive the transition. These are all techniques Sepp developed through hands on experience and through observation. You don't want weak plants!

Judith, Johnny, Zach and Team Holzer AgroEcology