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hibiscus tree

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From: mary may
City:
LA salle, IL
The roots of my hibiscus tree are girdled in the pot & growing up on top of the soil. Is it possible to cut back the roots without killing the tree? If so, what is the best way to do it? Thank you

 
Extension Message
From: Richard Hentschel
Extension Educator, Horticulture
DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit
hentsche@illinois.edu
Yes, to a limited extent, you may be able to remove some of the girdling depending on where the root originated. The roots circling the pot in the bottom can be addressed without harming the plant more so than those circling near or at the surface and emanating from the tree at or near the soil line. You will need to get the plant out of the pot (and this can mean breaking the pot apart if it is that root bound), shaking the soil out of the root ball so you can see what you can safely remove. There are often many roots that can be removed from the bottom of the ball for sure. Re-pot into the same sized container with new soil mix. You should expect some foliage loss as a result of this action and you should do this as the tree is actively growing to aid in recovery

 
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