A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Plants and Flowers Forum Shrubs and Trees Tap Root Pruning can I?

I hope someone is willing to make a suggestion on this problem.

It's about my Sport Dwarf Evergreen Bushes.

I love these little things and the idea of abandoning them to the buldozers is just eating at me. I'd love to take them with me but there is absolutely no end to their taproots. Even though the plants are only a little over 12 inches tall.

I've dug down until I have my armpit in the hole but still the taproot keeps on going. If I cut the taproot is there any even the slightest possibility that the plant could survive? That is assuming it can take the change in altitude. I'll be about 1000 feet above sealevel where here I am at sea level.

I have no idea to your question but I think I'd take the chance at cutting the taproot over just leaving them there. They'll be bulldozed and die if you leave them and if you take them and they don't make it at least you tried to save them. :ding:

get as much root as possible. keep the roots from drying. container or burlap like the nurseries.

I'd take the chance on them as well. Make clean cuts to the roots if possible.

Thanks all I may try taking some of the smaller ones. cross your fingers for me come this winter. That's when I'll be moving.

generally, if the height of the plant is 12" then if you can get at least 6-8" of root (12 if possible) it should be ok. just do like rugby said and make sure the roots don't get dry at all.

so you want the root to be at least half the height of the plant, but don't sweat it if you can't get more then the height of the plant. that's plenty and they should make it.

Thanks Jiffy,

It's great to think they will have a chance at my new place where ever that is. They have been a great plant to have here even if I can't identify them lol. Maybe I'll have better luck somewhere else.