If you’re a garden enthusiast, you probably already know what a savior root pruning is, but if you’re a gardening amateur, you might want to learn about this amazing technique.
Established plants and trees growing in the ground for a while have roots that extend far beyond their branches or drip line. While these branches anchor and support a plant, most of the feeder roots that bring in food and nutrients, grow off the main distance from the plant itself.
Root pruning is the process of cutting through the roots located at the drip line of an established plant or tree to dig and transplant it. This process is done to encourage the growth of feeder roots along with the root ball that will be transplanted with the tree. A root ball with numerous feeder roots is quite helpful in acclimatizing a tree or plant to its new spot.
Why Root Prune?
Here are a few cases in which root pruning can help.
To Maintain Dwarf Trees
Many times, root pruning is used to maintain dwarfed size plants and trees – that are simply slow growers. When a dwarfed tree starts growing more than its desired height, root pruning helps shock its roots temporarily by diverting its energy towards growing new roots.
To Encourage Flowering
Root pruning also encourages the flowering of fruit trees and slowly blooming vines, such as wisteria. In this situation, a plant believes it’s under attack, and it sets flowers and seeds to strengthen its defense.
To Help Plant Growth
Root pruning can also be very helpful when potted plants outgrow their containers, but you don’t want to move them to a larger one. Trimming back a plant’s roots and repotting it can help keep its growth in check. This is usually done to control the growth of indoor trees and plants.
To Save a Plant’s Life
When a plant gets root-bound due to its roots outgrowing its container, its health begins to deteriorate. Root-bound plants have a compact rootball that strangles that plant, keeping it from receiving water, air circulation, and proper nutrients. In such cases, the plant can be saved via root pruning.
How To Root Prune A Tree, Plant, Or Shrub
In simple terms, root pruning involves severing the roots of a plant or tree all the way around their circumference at the drip line using a sharp spade. Since this process can be a little challenging, it’s usually preferable to get it done via an expert. However, if you’re planning to do it by yourself, here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Put Together Your Supplies and Tools
Start by gathering all your tools and supplies for the operation. It is very important because you can’t expect yourself to be stuck in the middle of a delicate procedure, covered in dirt, realizing that you need a certain tool.
Here is a list of tools you’ll need:
- Pruning saw or serrated knife
- Scissors
- Potting mix
- Perlite
- Bucket
- Hand trowel
- Gardening gloves
Step 2: Cut Off the Roots Growing Out of the Pot
Once you’ve arranged your tools, cut off the roots emanating from the drainage hole, as doing this will make it much easier for you to pull the plant out of its pot.