Gardening and Landscaping Stack Exchange
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Questions tagged [root-pruning]

The pruning of roots instead of branches.

Typically plants are controlled by pruning their branches. Although less accessible, it is possible to prune the route, eg. when a plant is transplanted.

Root pruning is typically performed for two main reasons. First, it is a method controlling the size of the tree. Eg. root pruning is applied to bonsai to stunt the tree's growth, and to produce ancient-looking surface roots.

Secondly, tree saplings in pots can be root-pruned in order to promote the growth of root hairs. These will aid the tree's survival when it is transplanted into its final location.

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Can I cut off exposed tree roots without harming the tree?

Large trees often have roots protruding out of the ground around the base of the trunk (such as the ones that can push up sidewalks next to the tree). When is it safe to cut those roots (that might be a hazard to people running in the area near the…
jrdioko
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Should I remove the tree roots coming from the neighbouring garden?

When I was digging out* a patch to grow veggies earlier in the spring I found big roots in the soil unconnected to anything in our garden. It looks like they're coming from some kind of palm trees planted right at the edge of our neighbour's yard.…
Lisa
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How do I prune the roots of a rootbound plant?

This answer talks about pruning the roots of a plant when it has become rootbound. How easy is it and how do you go about it?
Tea Drinker
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Does pruning the tree slow root growth?

We have a cherry tree, and neighbours, which is only about 4 years old, and I would say about 5 metres high. Neighbours are worried that its roots might eventually damage supply/drainage pipes in front of the house, which are possibly about 6 6 -8…
user1154435
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Does an Amaryllis plant *need* to go into dormancy?

I have an amaryllis plant that has nearly run its course and I want to replant it again. I'm growing it inside, so I have a year-round growing season. Once I cut the leaves and roots off for the bulb to grow again, do I need to let it be dormant for…
Morella Almånd
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Why should I prune roots of bare root blackberries before planting?

I bought some bare root blackberries from a reputable nursery and in the instructions they said to "prune roots 1/2" to 1" with sharp pruning shears" before planting. What purpose does this serve?
Philip
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Is there a long term solution to prevent tree shoots from coming up in lawn?

The shoots coming up in the middle of my lawn (see picture) I believe they are from the roots of a cherry tree that is roughly 15 feet away (I could be wrong, there is also a Pear and Maple tree nearby). Is my only option to keep cutting them at…
Anticipation
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My tree has root damage: how can I save it?

I cut a few of the roots around my tree. My tree is now in shock: the leaves are curling and it's losing some of them. The tree itself is drooping. Is there anything I can do for my tree?
vickie
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Will shaving the top of a Red Maple's roots hurt the tree?

We have a large Red Maple tree in a large back yard. The roots have pushed up the concrete on a walkway. I have a friend who wants to practice concrete work for his university class and is willing to pull up and re-pave this section, but the top of…
Mia Moore
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Relocating an apple tree - when should this be done?

A long time ago (about ten years), I put some apple seeds in the ground, and now I have an apple tree. The only problem is that it is too close to the neighbour's house, and might do some damage to it with its roots. Moreover, it is too close to a…
Betohaku
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How do I manage roots in a multi-plant planter?

I have a plastic, rectangular planter with a variety of plants. I recently added a new plant to an empty spot, and found that the region was already thick with root fibers from the other plants in the planter, and starting to cluster thickly around…
Jonathan
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Succulent spreading outward, Exposed roots

Please see pics below. I'm assuming (possibly shouldn't assume) that this succulent was in poor light before I brought it home because of all the spreading. What's the proper thing to do with it? I'm wanting to re-pot it because the pot can't stand…
Christy B.
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What's the next action I should take with this rootbound plant?

After some help with what I should do with this plant, I've neglected to check its roots of for some time. I believe it to be a species of asparagus grass, though if someone wants to correct that belief feel free. As you can see from the images, I…
Psytronic
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Can I trim the roots of a root bound plant?

I have a large bird of paradise in a 12" pot. I recently found that the plant is just about root bound, and ideally should be moved to a larger pot. However, I don't know if I have space to accommodate a plant that's much larger than it currently…
jackwise
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Does new green growth suggest root growth?

Zone 8, USA I planted six Oakleaf Holly bushes in November 2020. They were container grown and unfortunately very pot-bound. I performed some serious root pruning before planting into the earth. (This was before I'd done some research into the…
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