LandscapExperts Tip of the Week, November 19

Executing a Landscape Renovation

Planting Container-Grown Large Trees and Shrubs

CrabappleLandscapExperts check the root systems of container-grown trees and shrubs Before we plant a tree that has been grown in a pot, we make sure that no major roots are circling or “girdling” the trunk.

This problem could eventually kill the tree. As tree and roots continue to enlarge in diameter, the root would eventually cut off the circulation (called translocation in plants) restricting the upward flow of nutrients and water from the roots and the downward flow of elaborated carbohydrates from photosynthesizing leaves.

If girdling roots are found, we do not purchase that tree, and in pre-existing planting we cut through to eliminate the problem.