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Too many roots on periphery (root bound)
There are too many roots growing along the outside of the root ball. This tree is root bound. Many are circling around and/or diving down to the bottom of the container. We thought that the best way to treat this was to slice the outside of the root ball in 4 to 6 places before planting by making deep cuts with a sharp blade from the top of the root ball to the bottom. After planting trees sliced and not sliced in this manner we now (2008) realize this does not result in more roots in the landscape soil and does not increase tree stability. We now think the best way to treat this is to remove the entire edge of the root ball (shaving) at planting. Click here to see shaving the root ball.
