That does provide a slightly larger "crack" for them to enter, Margaret. However, much of Europe is now limited by our USDA to only providing material not exceeding 10 mm in diameter, at their thickest points. That pretty much limits plants to bud wood or small, rooted cuttings, which eliminates the majority of European nurseries. There are very few which offer, or are willing to attempt, own root plants for export. It also adds much more time between receipt of the material and availability of export plants as well as substantially increasing the potential for damage and loss in transit and after receipt. Sad, but unfortunately necessary to prevent importation of pests.