Those circular roots.

RossDas · White Belt Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 19

Was repotting a chinese elm and decided to prune the roots.
It was one of those garden center ones and the thing was pot-bound beyond belief.
Problem is there are dozens of circular roots that seem to have no beginning and no end. I'm not sure how to go about pruning them.
Can anybody offer any advice on what to do?

TB420 · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:46 pm Post subject: Re: Those circular roots.

If you are referring to roots circling the perimeter of the rootball, and not the radial root system that builds the nebari then you need to comb the roots out. All circling roots will be removed before your done as they could be a foot or more long. Don't forget to balance the root removal by removing an equal amount above ground.

Tom

imholte · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:16 pm Post subject: Re: Those circular roots.

I have found elms to be quite forgiving when it comes to root pruning. As long as there are other roots, I would just just off the encircled roots. The larger ones dont have much to do with water and nutrient take up anyways, just the fine ones.

jimothy · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:10 am Post subject: Re: Those circular roots.

The easiest way to deal with root balls like this is to fill a bucket with water, immerse the rootball in it (holding the tree by the trunk), and shake it vigourously. All the potting medium will wash away, and the roots can then be teased apart much more easily. Also, you can keep dunking it to keep them moist, so you can take as long as necessary to do the operation, without worrying about the roots desicating.

keithmart · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 1:17 pm Post subject: Re: Those circular roots.

I put them on the ground and direct the hosepipe at the roots to wash the old soil off.

Once you have the soil removed it is easier to deal with the roots.

Don't forget that you will need to ensure that the new soil has been put back between the roots. Most bonsai people use a chopstick (Wooden not plastic) to poke the soil back amongst the roots. If the soil on the surface feels spongy, it is an indication that their is a space underneath.

Do not compress the soil as roots do need air, but they do need soil as well.

TB420 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:25 pm Post subject: Re: Those circular roots.

Both excellent techniques. Jim's works great if the tree isn't completely bound or if it's in a nasty clay mess like most mallasi. Many nursery plants in a potting soil need both techniques. Keith's works great period but it uses much more water. A combo of the 2 will definitely get the job done.

Tom