Viewing post #2933505 by reyderrs

Lucy68 said: Roots growing in a circle just means, for some reason, the roots didn't leave the original planting hole. That isn't necessarily a problem unless the roots strangle the collar flare (where the trunk and roots join) and choke off nutrients and water. You uncovered the collar flare and I can't see any strangling roots.

Hi Lucy68, sorry, but I beg to differ: circling roots or never leaving the original planting hole are big problems even if there is no strangling (girdling) of the trunk. The roots must go in all directions to seek water and nutrients. If that doesn't happen the tree will never establish and it will die in the first harsh winter. Also too many roots growing inwards or circling will pack the root ball to a point when it will become hydrophobic and then no matter how much you water the plant will dry out. Just my 2 cents.