Hawthorn Raft

[CraigM]

Collected this tree towards end of August 2016, was planted into the ground once home as a result of a strong vertical root extending 30 / 40 cm beneath the trunk.

I sawed half way through the vertical root around 6 weeks ago, no visible impact. Before doing so I spot checked and noticed some new feeder roots along the trunk. Plan to complete separation shortly, then leave for feeder roots and the rest to grow over winter. In spring I will repot into the slab mentioned in the post from Matt viewtopic.php?f=29&t=23937

[KIRKY]

Wow! great find Craig, may I ask how long it is currently? And what will be the final length to fit in your tray pot?
Do you think you will get a lot of root developing over winter? Being deciduous I would have thought root growth may slow down while its bare.
Cheers
Kirky

[CraigM]

Thanks Susan, the tree is around 110 / 120 long.

Expect roots to slow down while dormant, was still under impression though that they continue to grow at a slower rate. To be honest have never researched the topic. No rush to lift first thing in spring, rental has been extended so could leave longer. Will scratch around in spring and decide.

[KIRKY]

are you going to keep it at that length? as you know I like Hawthorn's this is going to be great in flower.
Well its good you don't have to lift it. I'll be interesting to see if you do get root development through winter.
Cheers
Kirky

[CraigM]

Thanks, yes I plan to keep the length, like the character of the tree.

As an exercise I'll expose a trunk section with feeder roots at the start of winter, then check the same back in spring. Will use a ruler against the feeder roots for reference. This should give some indication of root growth over winter.

[Watto]

Great start, and after Tony Tickles success at Noelanders this year, we should all be trying one!!!