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New tree-clipping roots on top
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Author:  wellnow [ Tue Apr 07, 2015 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  New tree-clipping roots on top
We just planted 2 Texas Ash trees that were about 6-7 ft tall and very much root bound. We removed a lot of the dirt and loosened up the roots with a knife and screwdriver. I think the first one is about the right height, about 1-2 in. above grade though the fill dirt has settled somewhat lower. We clipped a few above-the-flare roots, but I'm not sure whether to clip several more, and also whether to fill in about halfway to the root flare (maybe 1/2 to 1 inch).

See linked photos:

http://s17.postimg.org/g9a0rmiz2/IMG_6590.jpg

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http://s17.postimg.org/ktw76k2oe/IMG_6594.jpg

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Author:  wellnow [ Tue Apr 07, 2015 3:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New tree-clipping roots on top
MORE URGENT than my first question above: Relating, to the 2nd Texas Ash we planted (this one on April 1), this one was even more root-bound with circling and girdling roots. After whacking and separating roots, what had been the bottom of the root ball was very uneven, and I wasn't sure we had good contact everywhere (mainly up underneath) between the roots and the dirt. In trying to prop it up straighter, it ended up higher that planned. Then that night we had a big wind, and now it's quite crooked. (see photo) Should we 1) dig it back up and 2) put it a little lower and 3) straighter, and 4) clip some above-flare roots? I'm afraid if we try to straighten it without taking it back out it will be even higher in the ground and not well-anchored. (photos attached)


http://s23.postimg.org/rm9648me2/IMG_6584.jpg

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http://s23.postimg.org/wmb7pxhei/IMG_6585.jpg

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http://s23.postimg.org/67hsjpysa/IMG_6588.jpg

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http://s23.postimg.org/k4zyp0wuy/IMG_6593.jpg

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Author:  northwesterner [ Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: New tree-clipping roots on top
In the time since you planted this the roots are all still going to be free to move around the hole, so reposition it if you think it is crooked or not in good contact. I agree, it looks like more adventitious roots above the actual flare, but for now they probably aren't hurting and might help stabilize the tree until it is established.

A couple of years ago I re-planted a tree for my next door neighbor that had been planted 1 year earlier by some folks from a local garden center. It was still wobbling in the hole because they didn't unwrap and loosen the roots from being rootbound in the pot. A week is nothing, you can probably move this around for several weeks even when you've planted it properly. I wouldn't do it as a general rule, but you can if needed.

That tree with the larger clump of roots showing does look to be a bit high - and that might dry out the roots come summer. I'd plant it a couple of inches deeper and put some light mulch around it to keep the roots moist until it sends new roots deep into the soil.
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