Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Root Removal

Paul165Paul165 Posts: 97
in Problem solving
I'm preparing a border for replanting but want to retain the tree in the picture. 

The problem is that the roots seem to be bigger than the actual tree. There is also a root system for an old shrub trapped between the two larger roots. That means I can't plant in those areas. 

Does anyone have any bright ideas for dealing with this? I can't believe the roots are so large! 

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Could that prunus have originated as a sucker from a previous one?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Paul165Paul165 Posts: 97
    I honestly wouldn't have the foggiest! They do look to be disproportionately large roots for such a  small tree 
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I wondered if they were from the rootstock, but it must have been a heck of a tree !
    If you don't want to lose it, l am cautious about what to suggest. Maybe cut through some of the roots furthest away and see what happens ?  
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    Can I see a chunky tree on the other side of the fence? Might it be the roots from that?
    Rutland, England
  • Paul165Paul165 Posts: 97
    Look like it but those are new trees so it can't be those. I think I'll have to live with and work around them! 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Protect the wood of the fence with a sheet of polythene and a row of bricks to keep the soil off it. Then  put small bulbs where you can between the roots, then give it a heavy mulch of compost or chipped bark.  Snowdrops will love it there. You could probably get away with a few carefully placed pulmonaria as well.
Sign In or Register to comment.