Don't prune any roots that are greater than 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. These are most likely stability roots, and could cause the tree or shrub to fall over in high winds. How to PruneRoots on Rootbound Plants. Most plants will tolerate simple rootpruning. You will want to do root cutting on the thread roots, not the tap roots. In this video, learn how, when and why you should prune the roots of your indoor and outdoor plants. Roots that are circling in a pot is a bad thing and you can easily fix that problem. I bought some bare root blackberries from a reputable nursery and in the instructions they said to "pruneroots 1/2" to 1" with sharp pruning shears" before planting. If a tree is already in good health, and the rootpruning is done cautiously and correctly, the tree may remain stable enough to survive the pruning. When to PruneRoots. Check whether rootpruning is needed by sliding the root ball out of the pot for a look. Thick roots pressed right to the edge of the ball or circling it indicate that it’s time to prune. How to root-prune a pot-bound plant - The Pecks. Root-pruning every two or three years invigorates the growth of new feeder roots, which take in nutrients and water for the plant. Pruning the roots when the soil is warm and deeply moist is the ideal condition for new root growth — not too cold nor too hot, and moist enough to sprout but not dry out. So I'm up here with Eddie and Adam and they've got the root pruner out some. We've just borrowed this machine from another orchard down the road. And what we're trying to do is control... Such ‘root-pruning’ provides no incentive or stimulation for increased vitality. I describe light or slight trimming as just tickling the roots, reserved for alteration of the shape of the root-ball due...
