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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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What happens if I cut some of the roots of a cottonwood tree?

I have a large 54" (1.37 m) diameter cottonwood tree that is 16 feet (5 m) away from where a storm sewer is to be installed. I am sure roots will be cut, but will this tree survive? If the chances are not good, how long would it take to show signs…
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How/if to transplant a 15' Catalpa?

About 25 years ago three catalpa (Indian bean tree) seeds were planted in the Northern Hemisphere in a temperate climate. They came from the Southern Hemisphere and seem may have been from a Catalpa speciosa ("northern") rather than a Catalpa…
pnuts
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Finally got the rootball out, please diagnose the roots and health of this plant

Related question: Are these roots healthy or bad? My Dracaena Reflexa Pleomele started having tiny yellow spots for some weeks. As a result, I was asked to take the rootball and inspect it. I took out the rootball, and here it is(since I don't know…
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Is it necessary to replace old soil when repotting a rootbound plant?

Yesterday, I repotted a rootbound monstera into a larger pot. I had been told that replacing the old soil wasn't a high priority if it meant cutting out too many roots, so I simply added new soil around the old soil along with coconut coir and…
Blaise
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Tree roots are removing the tiles of my flooring. What to do?

I have a mango tree in my backyard. Recently we are seeing that our flooring tiles in room towards my backyard has started protruding because of the roots underneath. I dont want to cut the tree. Is there a way for me to save my flooring? Please let…
meetpd
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Should I cut off roots that grow out from a pot's drain?

I have a Ficus lyrata whose roots have grown out of the 25cm pot's drain hole. They form a dish shape within the pot's dish. Is it wise to cut these roots so that the pot can sit level again, or is it a sign that I need a larger pot?
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Should I prune all the rootstock's suckers from the Cherry plant (Brooks)

Should I prune all the rootstock's suckers from the Cherry plant (Brooks)
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How to deal with very packed Spathiphyllum roots when repotting?

I have a bad case of Spathiphyllum abuse... I knew it was due for repotting, but I didn't think it was that bad. I need advice as to what to do with the roots. Should I just try to separate them a bit, or do I have to cut? Or maybe just do repot as…
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Will an arborvitae grow back after I cut the trunk?

I had this "horizontal" arborvitaes in the front yard of the house I just moved into. I wanted to replace them with flowers. I tried to unroot them but the roots go down just too deep and after hours shoveling I ended up cutting the last roots (to…
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How to pull apart root ball that grew around a sprinkler valve?

Just bought a new house, and after a great deal of searching I finally found one of the sprinkler valves (manual) to the sprinklers I keep seeing around the yard. When I opened it up, I saw a very generous root ball around the valve. The box…
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Should I cut these roots on a potted holly?

Shown are the roots of a potted holly tree. Should these roots be cut before planting? How agressively should I remove roots? I do not want to kill the plant. What about those thicker roots? Some in this lot of plants have a really thick woody…
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How close can I cut roots on large established ficus trees without killing the tree or causing it to fall over?

We have 3 trees that are about 30 years old and maybe 30 feet tall. We are installing new patios and want to cut the roots back so they don't buckle the patios. The trees are about 10 feet away from the edge of the patios. We are hoping to keep them…
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Suggested pot size for fruit trees?

In different orangeries the pots for fruit trees (in particular citrus fruit) seem rather small compared to what some gardeners suggest, and also compared to the following root ball table. What special treatment do the trees have to receive in order…
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Fiddle leaf tree - is this root dead?

Please check images below. The fiddle leaf tree has been losing leaves, and they were brown at their endings. When the leaves fall, I noticed inside there is a brownish water. Is it possible to save this plant, even if it means cutting the black…
igorjrr
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Pine tree root blocking my waterfall stream

60 foot tall pine has a 4-6 inch root traversing my stream. The water will not flow over the root (too high) and going under the root will also cause problems. Is it safe to cut the root? Perhaps drill some holes thru it to let the water flow…
George Lyddane
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