Root Washing

Root Washing

Root Washing

A perfect way to see and inspect a root system, root washing provides a thorough examination of roots before planting on a new site. The process of root washing can initially detect the problems that can cause fatal damage to a tree after planting. There are several reasons for washing roots, it can help in the determination of depth for planting, it can also detect soil interface for a tree, and it can also help in improving issues that are caused by burlaps.

Roots Pruning

After washing roots, we can see clearly how the structure of the root looks like, it helps in the removal of dead, damaged and roots that have mold and knots. It can also help in inspecting some other deformation in roots like roots creating a pattern that resembles with “J” these roots cause damage later in the life of a tree or plant, and also roots that are forming circulating pattern these roots can griddle and grow in unnecessary form and cause death to a tree.

Soil Interface

Soil interface describes the complexities of how roots will function when they contact different types of soils, Mass-Produced trees come in burlap for plantation in commercial areas and soil of these areas contain organic compounds rather than natural soil of residential or pot soil. So, after planting when roots search for nutrition and they find it unable to get them from that soil then they usually become dead after some time. Root washing helps roots in this case because it cleans off all the old soil from those roots that come with burlap or pots and help those roots to get a new habitat for growing.

Planting Depth

Root washing helps in getting rid of extra soil that comes with bagged plants, and this soil is considered as bad soil for planting and cause death to the tree, after washing this soil we can clearly see the amount and quantity of roots so we can easily calculate depth for planting that tree. The hole for planting a tree should not be too deep, but it should be wide for roots to spread out easily and rapidly. Now the trunk and crown should be on top of the ground and only roots should stay under the soil.

How to Wash Roots

Now that we know how the root washing process impacts the life of trees and their growth it’s time to properly understand how one should wash roots. There are several ways for washing roots, initially, roots should be got ridden of any bags and packaging. Shaking will also help in losing and removal of extra and unusual soil.

Soaking roots in a container with water can help in the loss of soil that comes with roots, remaining soil can be washed by gently applying water from a garden hose to roots. Use your fingers to gently remove the soil in this process. Remove roots that are woody and are not healthy. And after doing this process you will be ready to plant a new tree. If you have any query regarding tree related stuff, why not talk to a professional tree service? As fully qualified and highly experienced tree arborists, we are able to offer extensive know-how when it comes to trees and gardens.

Bradley Powell

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