MYTH:  You shouldn't disturb the rootball when transplanting trees and shrubs

MYTH BUSTERS SERIES

THE FACTS

Plants with woody roots often need corrective root pruning before transplanting.

• Containerized plants are notorious for concealing fatal root flaws  (i.e. girdling roots).
• Bare rooting container plants is a more successful transplanting technique – root flaws can be corrected, and container media removed.

In a healthy, well-watered plant, root pruning at transplant time will induce vigorous new root growth and assist in establishment.

Reference:
DR. LINDA CHALKER SCOTT
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/fragile-roots.pdf

ROOT WASHING
https://www.finegardening.com/article/root-washing-why-and-how-to-wash-roots