full view of tree left to grow in a container	roots growing from bottom of pot

We were absolutely amazed at this recent specimen which was brought in this week.  This is a 20 year old Burford holly which had managed not only to survive, but thrived despite the fact it had never been removed from its 1 gallon plastic nursery pot at the point of planting.  Don't try this at home!

    For plastic containers, gently remove the plant from the pot prior to planting.  If the roots are white and small, plant "as is".  In the event that the plant has been residing in the pot for an extended period of time, the roots will be brown and massive, circling the root ball.  This is called "girdling" of the roots and must be corrected for the future health of the plant.  Simply score the sides and bottom of the root ball with a sharp knife.  The cuts should be evenly distributed on the outside of the root ball to a depth of 1/2", making about 6 or 8 cuts.  An "X" of 1/2" depth should be made across the bottom of the plant.  These cuts will stimulate lateral root growth.

    I once salvaged some azaleas which had been planted for 4 years.  After performing normally, they took a turn for the worse.  When I tugged on the first plant, it slipped right out of the hole as though it had just been planted.  The roots were encircling the original root zone and showed no activity.  I took an old butcher knife and plunged it into the ground, scoring the sides of the original ball.  Like a breath of fresh air, the plants flushed with new growth and live to this day.

    For "balled & burlaped" (B&B) plants, you must distinguish between natural and synthetic burlap.  Synthetic burlap must be removed or the plants roots will be ruined, resulting in the death of the plant.  Natural burlap, treated or untreated, is fine to leave on the root ball at the point of planting.  Regardless of the burlap form, great care should be taken not to loosen or disturb the root ball.  Always lift your plant by the root ball - never by the trunk!

    B&B plants usually have a wire basket formed around the ball to hold the soil in tact.  My position on the basket is, "Clip the wire handles off, but never remove the basket itself".  Some folks believe the basket will interrupt the growth pattern of the roots.  The wire is biodegradable and will yield the way to large, vigorous roots without damaging the roots.  Additionally, if you remove the basket and the root ball falls apart, the plant will die of shock anyway.  Now you have my opinion on an ongoing argument.

    Once the B&B plant is situated in the planting hole, nice and straight, remove all tying materials and burlap from the upper surface of the root ball and clip off the wire handles of the basket.  Many a good plant has suffered a gruesome death because nylon tying twine was left around the base of the tree, eventually killing the plant through strangulation.

    Finally, remember that fall is the best time to plant most trees and shrubs, and we are fully stocked.  Why not buy Mom and Dad a tree for Christmas?  It's a gift that keeps on giving.  See you next week.

                                                                                        Andy Lynn