| Roots are literally the foundation of a tree. What | | | | of the tree. The more roots there are the more |
| your tree does is entirely dependent on how and | | | | moisture and nutrients that can be picked up into |
| how well the root system is developed. The first | | | | the tree. The more moisture and nutrients, the |
| thing we will discuss is the taproot. You may have | | | | more the tree can grow. |
| heard of the tap root. It is nature's system of | | | | How is root pruning accomplished? The preferred |
| self preservation. The young, seedling tree sends | | | | method today is air pruning. Special containers are |
| out a root straight down as far as it can to get | | | | used to start the tree. These containers have |
| to the necessary moisture and nutrients. After it | | | | strategically located holes that encourage the |
| has decided that it has a strong hold and will | | | | roots to grow into them and be exposed to the |
| survive, the rest of the root system will begin to | | | | air. Once the roots are exposed to the air, they |
| branch out similar to the above ground tree that | | | | dry up and are effectively root pruned. The tree |
| we all see. Many people believe that a strong tap | | | | is then compelled to branch that root just like it |
| root is the key to tree success and vigor. Modern | | | | would a branch that has been trimmed. By air |
| research tells us that this is not the case. I not | | | | pruning the root, it remains closed similar to |
| get too deep here, but I will explain that a heavily | | | | cauterizing a wound which prevents pathogens |
| branching root system is ideal for the | | | | from entering the root and maintains the health |
| establishment of a tree in the landscape. The | | | | of the root system and the tree. |
| sooner you can stop the tap root and begin the | | | | It is also possible to prune the roots of a dormant |
| branching of the remainder of the root system, | | | | tree by digging it up and physically pruning them |
| the healthier and more vigorous your tree will be. | | | | with a knife or by means of a root pruning |
| Root Pruning is the way root branching is | | | | tractor attachment which is basically a blade that |
| accomplished. To compare roots to something | | | | is put into the ground and lowered to a |
| you see, we will use the example of pruning the | | | | predetermined depth and then pulled down the |
| visible branches. When you prune a tree's | | | | row so that it can prune the length off of the |
| branches, the buds just below the cut are | | | | root system. This is also done while it is dormant. |
| energized and grow at a greater rate than any | | | | One final note about roots: A fibrous root system |
| other part of the branch, so if you cut one | | | | near the surface of the ground will enable the |
| branch, you end up with two, if you cut those | | | | tree to absorb moisture and nutrients and is a |
| two, you end up with four more and so on. The | | | | vital aspect to establishing a vigorous, fast |
| same mechanism is employed in the root system | | | | growing tree. |