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Will olive tree survive tap root being cut?

tujuh_duatujuh_dua Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi I have an olive tree in a large pot which has managed to root through the hole in the bottom through a crack in the patio and down into the ground. The sneaky thing has obviously done this some time ago as the root is huge. Will it survive if I cut the root? I don't think I have any other options but would be good to know if I'm going to lose it and whether I should take cuttings. The tree is about 8 feet high. Many thanks

Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    Sounds like a good plan.
  • tujuh_duatujuh_dua Posts: 3
    Thanks for responding pansyface. Unfortunately it also goes through a crack in the patio and I’d have to take that up as well which I’m not able to do. I’m also wondering what time of year I should do it and whether there’s anything I can do to help it survive
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Olives naturally grow in fairly dry, arid conditions so send down deep tap roots to seek water and nutrients.

    If your only option is to cut the tap root I would follow PF's advice and do it in autumn when the plant is going dormant for winter.   There's a nursery near here that has some very old looking olives in huge pots that would need a crane or fork lift truck to shift so it is possible to keep them in pots for years.  Maybe yours would like a bigger pot and some freshened compost.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • tujuh_duatujuh_dua Posts: 3
    That’s great, thank you very much for the advice folks 
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