Wash the Planting Material Off the Roots
Refer to the first part of this series: What is the Best Method to Transplant Trees, Shrubs & Perennials? Part 1: Root Washing.
Correct Misalligned Roots
- Remove circling and J-shaped roots and roots that are too stiff to spread out.
- Remove adventitious roots growing above the root flare.
Plant
- Dig the width of the planting hole to match the spread of roots when straightened.
- Set the plant on a mound in the middle of the hole with the root flare slightly above the final soil level to allow for settling.
- Spread the roots out like the spokes of a wheel and angle them slightly down.
- Cover the roots with the same soil removed from the hole to about one-third to a half the hole depth.
- Water well. This is called “mudding in” and will wash the soil down and around the bare roots.
- Add another layer of soil and water. Continue this sequence until added soil is a bit above the level of the surrounding soil and right at the root flare.
- Gently pat down the soil with your hands, if needed.
- Add a 10 cm layer of mulch around the plant, but 10 cm away from the plant trunk.
Note: Do not prune the above ground stems-foliage for a year, even if some roots have to be pruned. the plant needs all o fits leaves to make food for the growth and establishment of the new roots.
Resources
- Curtis, J. 2023. Girdling Roots: The Silent Tree Killer. LEAF: https://www.yourleaf.org/blog/jon-curtis/oct-04-2023/girdling-roots-silent-tree-killer
- Gurrad, D. 2024. Root Prep for Successful Transplanting. VIRL Virtual Gardening Series: https://my.nicheacademy.com/virl/pathway/30786/course/26567/lesson/191031
- NOVI. 2021. Preventing girdling roots from choking out your trees. https://novi.org/News/Prevent-girdling-roots-from-choking-out-your-trees.aspx
- Spengle, T. 2021. What is Root Washing. Gardening Know How: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/what-is-root-washing.htm
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