AusBonsai

i have a problem with a cotoneaster and im hopeing somone can give me some advise...
The tree in question is growing in a 25ltr bag and has decided to go through the bag into the ground a fair way (hasnt been moved for a long time) my question is am i able to cut it off under the bag and move it or is it too late....Im in Perth if that helps
I also have the same problem with a pyracantha..both are large but ive let them grow ..... any help would be good..

Hi Krittas, cotoneaster and pyracantha both like to bo repotted late spring/summer , cutting under the bag at this time should be fine mate Craig

shouldn't have too much probs mate, just treat with care and if in doubt give the tree a rex hunt kiss.

LOL
Fish

There should be no problem with that. Make sure you have a sharp shovel so you do not hack at it on removal.

bodhidharma wrote:There should be no problem with that. Make sure you have a sharp shovel so you do not hack at it on removal.

thats what im affraid of...it would be a shame to destroy them as ive had them for a few years and just been feeding them but now they have dug in and i unfortunatley need to move them....was hopeing that it is like a large tap root and if its only that root that is cut there will be plenty of others inside the bag to keep it alive....bit of seasol perhaps....

If you work in an area with a bit of room you wont hurt it. dont start close to the trunk, start away a bit, then shimmy the shovel a little, when you start seeing the plant move, you are on the winner, work in the same radius and you will keep majority of roots intact.
Then say sorry..lol
They are fairly hardy plants from what I have read, so you should be fine

Good Luck
Fish

Krittas, you need to slice though the roots, that have released themselves of the bag. Nothing else at this time. So as Bohdi said a sharp spade or bushman saw cut though the roots.
Then clean them up so they are not all jagged. Seasol in there new spot , you should have no problems.
The roots that are growing out are not TAP roots. You only get tap roots from seed sown plants, those struck by cutting do not have a tap root and 90percent of stock is from vegetative cuttings.

Cheers Pup

I agree. Like a branch allowed free growth will thicken immensely, ANY root that gets out of the pot/bag and grows freely will thicken a lot. When I used to have most of my pots on the ground this would happen regularly but there was never a problem with the tree after cutting the offending root(s). There should be plenty of roots still in the bag to keep the tree going.

okay ive decided that im going to have to move the pyracantha and cotoneaster this week they are both rooting out there bags so before i do it one more question....(probally end up being 10 more)
will it be more of a benefit to the trees if i soak both species in some superthrive??? (i have some in a small bottle) once i cut them free of the wondering roots...
What is the best way to do it...ie amount,how long to soak or anything else i should consider....
By the way perth is about to have 4 straight days of 40'c so that may be a problem but i do have a shade house to put them in.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL