| Gilman, E.F. and P.J. Anderson |
| 2006 |
| Root pruning and transplant success for Cathedral Oak® live oak |
|
Journal of Environmental Horticulture 24 (1): 13-17 |
| Trees that were root pruned regularly throughout the production period grew at a slower rate than trees that were not root pruned, but root pruning only in the last year of production did not affect trunk and canopy growth. Trees with root-pruning fabric installed under the #1 liner at planting grew at the same rate as trees without fabric during 39 months of field production. Hand spade root pruning throughout the production period increased the number of small diameter (<3mm) roots and decreased the number of large diameter roots in the root ball compared to trees that were not root pruned. Root pruning only in the last year of production reduced the number of large diameter roots but did not increase the number of small diameter roots. Fabric had no impact on the root system. Root pruning with a hand spade throughout production or only in the last year of production reduced water stress significantly in trees following digging compared to trees not root pruned during production. Root-pruning fabric installed under the liner at planting reduced stress following digging 39 months later, but only on two of the days when water stress was measured. |
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