How to Plant a Rootbound Tree

Planting a tree is a great way to improve your property's aesthetics and increase your home's value. If you have recently purchased a tree from a nursery, you may discover that the tree is rootbound - with coiled roots circling the bottom of the container. This can be a challenge to plant but with the right steps, your tree can grow successfully. In this article, we share some tips to help you plant a rootbound tree.

Step 1: Prepare the Site

The first step in planting a rootbound tree is to ensure that the planting site is ready for the tree. The site should be well-draining, and the soil should be loosened to a depth of three to four times the size of the root ball. Remove any grass and weeds that may compete with the tree's roots for nutrients and water.

Step 2: Inspect the Rootball

Once the site is ready, inspect the root ball of your rootbound tree carefully. Remove any dead or damaged roots and untangle the coiled roots as much as possible to encourage new root growth. Trim any long roots at the bottom of rootball so that they do not wrap around the tree trunk.

Step 3: Soak the Rootball

The next step is to soak the rootball of your tree in a bucket of water for approximately one hour before planting. This will help to release any roots that may still be coiled tightly around the root ball and prevent the tree from experiencing transplant shock.

Step 4: Plant the Tree

With the planting site prepared and your rootbound tree's rootball adequately soaked, it is time to plant the tree. Place the tree in the planting hole and ensure that the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill around the root ball, ensuring that the soil is firmly packed around the roots. Water the tree thoroughly once you have finished planting to allow the soil to settle around the roots.

Step 5: Mulch the Area

Finally, add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, making sure not to place the mulch directly on the tree's bark. Mulch can help improve soil quality, retain moisture, and moderate soil temperatures.

Conclusion

Planting a rootbound tree requires attention to detail and proper preparation, but it is entirely doable with the right steps. By preparing the site, inspecting and untangling the rootball, soaking the roots, planting the tree appropriately, and mulching around the area, you can give your tree the best chance of growing big and strong for years to come.