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Strange roots (?) at the bottom of my apple trees... What are they?
January Man
Posts: 212
in Fruit & veg
Hi all
I noticed these roots at the bottom of my apple trees a couple of days ago. I say roots, but I'm not really sure what they are to be honest. Sorry if the answer is an obvious one, it's all new to me! 
If anyone can tell me what it is and whether I need to do anything, I'd much appreciate it.
Many thanks
Max
0
Posts
Yep looks like roots to me. Get them covered up with soil before they dry out, just make sure you don't cover the graft joint when you do it (that's the knobbly bulbous bit if you're not sure).
OK - great. I thought something was wrong for a minute! Thanks for explaining.
Actually Verdun, you may have a point. As you can see we have quite wide tree guards around them. Last summer, when I watered I would do so in the general area AND inside the tree guard; which would usually fill up a bit with water and then slowly drain away. So that could be why it has happened.
Anyhow, I'll cover as recommended and do my best to try to relax
Although on another forum there have been suggestions that these roots may have appeared because the main roots are traumatised, OR they could be suckers and should be cut off if so.
Many thanks for the replies
They're not suckers -although suckers can develop from roots that are exposed or too near the surface; so I agree with Verdun and the others - top up with a bit of soil and cut down on the watering.
Last edited: 16 March 2017 10:48:51
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Hi again
The other suggestion on another forum is that they are a type of/variation of burrknots that are trying to root. This thread here deals with the same issue as I have:
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/grapevine/feeling-fruity/orange-coloured-shoots-coming-apple-tree-union_91612.html
Anyhow, in spite of the different suggestions as to what they might or might not be, the general consensus seems to be to leave them be and NOT cut them off. I'll follow that advice. Whether to cover them up with soil or not seems a little more uncertain...
Many thanks for all the help.