What would you do with this?

10 years ago

I have this 3 gallon Acer truncatum that appears to have an exceptionally inferior roots system.

There are no lateral roots. It basically terminates at the knub but curves down and then all those fibrous surface roots must have made their way to the top.

Only time I have seen a nub like that (no laterals or root flare for that matter) is with some pines and then plugs or cuttings.

Would you just work the roots and plant it or go back to the seller and ask for a replacement/credit?

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Comments (6)

whaas_5a
Original Author
10 years ago
Looks like my impatience kept me digging. It was just planted too deep in the pot back when it was a seedling.

Probably going to go back to vendor and ask that they warrant the plant until late spring next year since I'm losing a majority of the root mass.

Although I have some concern that the core of the roots are j hooked and only rooting to one side.

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lou_spicewood_tx
10 years ago
Wow. Looks like someone buried it too deep early on in the pot. Shantung maples seem pretty tough when it comes to aggressive root pruning during the winter so try that and see how that goes with yours.

I can send you some seeds off 'Fire Dragon' tree this fall if you're interested. Just email me.
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Sequoiadendron4
10 years ago
I couldn't view your pictures for some reason. If I understand you correctly, I would take it back. If the roots are growing oddly, they will have trouble supporting the tree during storms. We have a Laburnum and that blew over in Sandy because the roots were all to one side. I staked it hard this season (only 1" caliber) and it seems to be doing better but I know it will get cut down in a couple years when we put on our addition. Even without the addition I would monitor it for a couple seasons to see how it would do.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
thru your link.. i can view your whole PB acct ... but i dont see any pix.. that go with your fancy words... whats that all about

nice tricolor..

and what the pungens looking blue.. upright.. with red cones???

regardless.. its a maple.. plant it.. or bonfire.. your choice... [unless you can return it????]

ken
j0nd03
10 years ago
I could see them just fine last night now just links...
whaas_5a
Original Author
10 years ago
I already deleted the pics as I found the root flare.

I did plant it but was left with basically nothing for roots as it was so deep that the roots just matted beyond belief at the bottom of the pot.

Asked for a replacement or least warrant a replacement through spring. Only seems fair given the price point of $77.

I have an open PB account as its only plants.
The Picea pungens is likely Hoopsii

Lou, I'll shoot you an email. I've been after seedlings but haven't tried growing from seed. Not sure I have the patience, lol!