Root where I planned to plant an apple tree...

Marcia · #1 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 03:01 PM

Hi everyone,

I hope someone could help me, please.

I have a very small garden and space is really limited.
I ordered an apple tree (semi-dwarf M26, bareroot) and it will be delivered in a couple of weeks.

Today I was digging the hole where the apple tree is going to be and I've found this long and strong root which I suppose it's from the leylandii hedge nearby. Here's the pic:

I'm a bit worried now because even if I chop up this root, I'm afraid it's going to grow again and damage the apple tree..?

Is my apple tree already doomed?

Any advice would be very much appreciate.

Thanks.
Marcia

Hedge Witch · #2 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 04:12 PM

Both my apples are just as close to a similar (but larger) hedge and both are doing very well.

I've cut similar roots and they don't seem to have grown again or had any detrimental affect on the growth of plants nearby.

Marcia · #3 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 05:14 PM

That's a relief, thank you very much for your reply Hedge Witch

I carefully tried to pull the root and it snapped in the middle. Now I've got two ends to deal with

I'll cut as much as I can of that root and maybe move the center of that hole a bit away from the hedge.

Thanks again

brenbee · #4 (**permalink**) 31-01-2009, 06:44 PM

Just cut them, Marcia, I'm sure It wo'nt hurt your hedge & the apple tree shud grow quite happily. Gud luck.

Carl · #5 (**permalink**) 23-02-2009, 09:03 PM

What i`d say is just to dig around it and find where it leads and then just cut as much as possible off and then just try and block it off with something like some strong wood or a slab or something so it`s ain`t in the way of the tree.Also if it`s there it`ll compete for nutrients with the apple tree.
Good luck.

Secdean · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 09:54 PM

Plenty of manure! Make sure its been decomposing for several months at least.

Secdean · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 09:57 PM

You might want to dig a much bigger hole, just in case the soil is compaced , youd loosen it up a bit. And maybe put a small fence or some shrubs at the base to stop the roots from being compacted from people walking too close.

Also make sure the hole is in a general square shape and not a circle, just so the roots dont grow round and round making some girdeled. If your in a hose pipe ban area a pipe to the roots might be an idea , ( i dont like them in public spaces in case someone pours root killer down! ).

Wish i had the space for one!

P.s if its a grafted root stock dont plant the root/stem union below the soil level or the roots will send shoots up!

The Woodman · #8 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009, 11:34 PM

Your root may well grow again but it will not affect your new apple tree directly.

Your choice of M26 root stock is a good one and although you don't say what variety of apple you've chosen, I am concerned that the Leylandii may influence the way the new tree grows.

If it is too close, the apple will try to find as much light as it can (phototro pism) resulting in a tree leaning towards the available light depending how close and tall the Leylandii is.

The advice given by others is good in respect of manure, shape and size of hole and trimming roots back etc.

This shouldn't affect the cropping of the apple and whatever the shape or form you'll enjoy the fruits of your purchase.

Marcia · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 10:11 AM

Thanks everyone for your kind advices.

My apple tree is the Scrumptious variety, from Ken Muir nursery. I chose this one because is resitent to the cold weather and ideal for Northern areas. Althought it's self-fertile, I also bought a Laura Crab Apple to be its pollination partner. According to the nursery this crab apple could be planted in a big planter so that's what I did.

Both trees arrived on the worst time possible, right after the snow blizzards, early Feb. I kept them wrapped up and checked the roots everyday, soaking it for half an hour and packing it up again.

When the snow melted I could resume digging the hole again. I did cut that unwanted root as far as I could and I made a much bigger, deeper hole. Then I hit a layer of rocks...

Almost broke my back removing them all. I added loads of organic compost (couldn't find manure in my local garden center...), some water crystals, planted the maiden tree and mulched.

Ta-daa:

The stem union is still visible, can you see it? The rocks around the tree are few of the ones I had to dig out from the ground. I kept them to remind me of the hard work.

It's still very very close to the leylandii (which is approx. 1.8m high) but as I said before, my garden is small and that was the only south facing, free spot I could plant the tree...

And here's the Laura Crab Apple:

What should I expect now? I mean, how can I know if the tree is OK of if it's dying...? Would I only know in the spring? Since I planted it we had really strong gales here and the tree was super fine. Yesterday I cover it to protect from frost. Anything else I could do for a new planted tree?

Thanks again everyone for taking time to read my post and reply.

Marcia

The Woodman · #10 (**permalink**) 05-03-2009, 01:35 PM

Hi Marcia
It looks like you've made a really job of planting your trees and there's little to say except enjoy watching them grow.

They look to be in sheltered spots but if you are prone to wind, (?!) you may wish to add a third tree tie near to the top of the stake to avoid the leader being frazzled against the post. Remember to loosen them as the diameter of the trunk gets bigger.

They are fine and will not die. Trust me- I'm a Woodman!

Enjoy.