How to Plant a Root Bound Tree

Many trees ordered from garden centers and nurseries come in pots or similar containers, and these containers have both advantages and disadvantages. While pot or container planting makes caring for and transplanting a tree easier, it can also damage the plant’s roots. A tree is considered root bound when the roots spiral around themselves and the root ball; this often happens as a result of roots growing in a circular container. Root bound trees often suffer from reduced water and nutrient intake and can die. To prevent this damage, trim the bound roots before planting.

Gardening knife or saw

Shovel

Remove the tree from its container or pot. The root bound tree will come out with its root ball in the shape of the container.

Measure one inch from the top of the root ball. Make a cut vertically down from the one-inch mark to the bottom of the root ball; the cut should be about one inch deep. This cut will allow for the roots to spread and get more water and nutrients.

Move ? of the way around the root ball and make the same cut. Continue until you have made at least three 1-inch cuts in the root ball.

Lay the tree down and cut an "X" pattern, one inch deep, on the bottom of the root ball. Like the other cuts, this "X" cut will allow the roots to break through and absorb more water and nutrients.

Dig a hole in your garden or landscape that is about two inches wider than the root ball and only about an inch deeper. Insert the tree so that the top most root is about a ? inch below the soil line.

Back fill the hole with soil; mix in organic material if recommended for your specific tree. Water the plant deeply so that the top 18 inches of soil are moist; this will encourage the roots to begin to spread out.

If you have questions about planting or caring for your tree, consult a local garden center, nursery or extension service.

Even this type of cutting cannot guarantee that a root bound tree will live and thrive.