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Pieris shoots from dead trunk

MacdonasMacdonas Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I cut down an old and poorly performing pieris. In fact there were hardly any roots. Rather than get rid of the main stem I used it in a sloping border to alleviate run off by laying it horizontally in the soil, partly buried. Now 6 months later I’ve just noticed 3 little shoots growing about 6 inches high! Can’t believe these have grown from an old tree trunk. Any ideas how I can use these little saplings? How can I separate them from the trunk? Any ideas would be appreciated. 

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  • didywdidyw Posts: 3,573
    I'm reading The Secret Life of Trees at the moment and this phenomenon - shoots coming from 'dead' trunks - is discussed there.  The roots are feeding on the deadwood at the moment but they do need to get their feet in the ground and this happens in the forest as the dead trunk gradually decomposes.  I'm not sure whether your saplings would thrive if you took them away from their food source now.  I'd be tempted to leave them to develop more and if you see roots then going into the ground under the stem, then cut either side of the stem and try and lift the whole plant, bit of stem and all, out to replant.  
    Gardening in East Suffolk on dry sandy soil.
  • MacdonasMacdonas Posts: 3
    Thank you so much for your reply. That sounds good advice and also a good read! I will see about getting the book. Thanks again 
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