How Do I Cut a Pecan Tree Root Ball?

Healthy pecan saplings grow into trees that produce delicious pecans.

A pecan tree sapling is only as good as its roots. Like all trees, pecan trees need a strong and healthy root system to secure water and nutrients from the soil. Pecan tree seedlings are sold at plant nurseries in three different forms: bare root, root balled and container grown. Container-grown saplings often have roots that have become bound, or tightly wound inside their container. It is important to cut and free these roots before the saplings are planted.

Things You'll Need

• Water hose
• Hammer
• Knife

Instructions

1. Tap the sides of the sapling's container with a hammer to loosen soil and roots.

2. Slide the tree from the container without pulling on the trunk.

3. Wash the growing medium from the roots with a water hose.

4. Examine the root ball for roots that circle the ball, a sign of pot-bound roots. Dan L. Chapman of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service recommends scoring or cutting the sides of the root ball in this situation.

5. Make four vertical, evenly-spaced cuts, 1/4 inch deep, around the root ball's circumference with a sharp knife.

6. Make two 1/4-inch cuts across the root ball's bottom.

7. Spread roots apart before planting.

References

• Trees Are Good: Buying High-Quality Trees
• The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service: Pecan Trees for the Home or Backyard Orchard
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Pecan Production in the Home Garden

Resources

• Agrilife Extension Texas A&M System: Home Fruit Production--Pecans