Root Pruning Containered Fruit Trees: Why & How

In this video I talk about the importance of annual root pruning. Containered plants get too root bound and the plants suffer. This is my demonstration of one tree.

[garrycole]

Is there a particular root that you want to cut or not besides the tap root? I know in bonsai, they say don't cut the white roots, look for dead roots and dying roots. Are you just cutting off for height and width of the root ball and not too concerned about the condition of the roots that you are cutting or saving? Thanks

[scarlettrubyrose]

Don't be afraid to do this... I purchased some pears that I didn't realize were heavily root bound.. after 2 years of poor growth I pulled them up and the roots were just strangling the tree. After butchering most of the roots my trees are finally happier

[jandoolin]

I am so glad to hear that you don't have to worry about planting figs too low. That is just what I was worried about today. Thanks Ross! I love your videos!!

[mylesrid]

This guys is giving off huge Topher Grace vibes!

[sonicgen]

So you shouldn't do the tap root or should you only do a little bit off the very tip if the taproot goes further than the bottom of the container?

[patloughner]

I just wanted to say, ( Thank You ) Thanks for sharing your knowledge of gardening, and fig tree care!!!! I have learned a lot from you.

[jstormclouds]

suggestion: use a straight edged knife to cut dirt, as it will be a lot easier to sharpen than a multi-edged saw.

[johnloehle]

Great video. Are grow bags way to avoid this step or is it still required with them?

[scootin]

Yea I have seen bonasi root pruning and they cut them like gang busters . Until you showed up I pruned my newly bought trees a little and shook out the bark soil and tugged the wrap around roots straight . PER YOUR SUGGESTION I will get more aggressive. Thanks

[GisellVe]

What portion of the roots shouldn't be touched and what's the alternative when the roots are twisted or it can't be clearly seen when there's healthy branches, can it be grafted?

[bobbrawley]

Well I doing it today June Third . Out of necessity . The apple trees were bought at Lowe's 50, % off, primarily for the roots but I will try to save the tree . I will use the pruned roots to graft on to the severed central leader and branches. I cut the trunk @ 18 inches maybe. There is very few YouTube instruction on root grafting so I will have to experiment with many root grafts . It is difficult to identify the cambium layer on the roots and how to keep the roots moist but the graft dry and place the cutting in water to feed water up the branch is a juggle I have to experiment to see what can work

[NewGoldenEraRap]

People are talking about fig trees that have branching close to soil level... what does this mean?

[lukeedoo]

Hey I have a question. I have a guava tree and all of the leaves have turned yellow I figured it was root bound. And everytime it flowers it just drops after 1 week. Does this mean it is root bound and need to prune the wood of the tree to restimulate growth

[moremartin]

Great video! Thanks for your detailed explanation on root pruning. Much appreciated. I'm glad that you didn't cut off your arm! Can be useful to keep! :-)

[GoogleUser-opkq]

Thanks for the video Ross. Had a little trouble paying attention though. You're a cutie!

[vtecc]

What size of container is that where could I buy

[margaretmojica]

Just in time.  I need to trim my Kadota fig (the one with 45 figs) when it is done fruiting.  I'll remember, only 1/3 of the roots.

[MrBoliao]

I pick a time when the tree is well hydrated

[kingjames]

ya... my lemon trees taproot somehow managed to grow over on it's self and is killing the tree now... so I guess I'm going to see if this is one of the varieties that dies when you trim that...

[joeychancey]

Do fig trees have to be grafted or can I just get cuttings rooted and plant them and will they produce fruit