Trident RoR progression

[CodeMonkey]

I started this one a few years now.
I'd included it in my catch-all collection thread (See here for initial post: Trident RoR - initial post) but after being encouraged to start separate threads for some of the trees I've decided to split this out.

I chopped this after last years growth in order to redirect to the lowest node on the tree. Seems to have been successful, I'll reduce the stump later (probably shouldn't have left so much).
I have also just got around to checking the root progress and began to uncover some. I was late doing this, but we're still getting frosts so tried to wait as long as possible!

I'm pretty happy with the progress so far. I've rewrapped the lower roots before planting higher in the pot. Do you think it would be beneficial to also cover the roots with something to block light?

 

[Shibui]

Good development so far.
Light will not prevent or even slow root thickening. The exposed roots are essentially part of the trunk and we know that trunks thicken above ground in light. Your roots will too. The important factor for thickening is growth above providing food. Pruning to develop and maintain good trunk shape and branches is important but will slow trunk and root thickening but sometimes quality is far more important than speed.

Just a note on the roots: Crossing roots can cause problems, not only visual. Growing roots thicken. Sometimes they will fuse together well but more often I find that roots under another root will lift the over root away from the rock and that's not good for ROR. Maybe just keep an eye on that for now but be prepared to intervene and cut some if desirable roots start to lift.

 

[LittleDingus]

Just a note on the roots: Crossing roots can cause problems, not only visual. Growing roots thicken. Sometimes they will fuse together well but more often I find that roots under another root will lift the over root away from the rock and that's not good for ROR.

I've never heard it explained that way before...thanks for this!

It makes a lot of sense for species that don't inoscolate readily. Inoscolation is not a topic I've seen discussed on the forums much...at least not in terms of some species fusing more readily than others. Oaks need a lot of pressure to fuse. Crape myrtle fuses more readily. Maples seem to be somewhere in between depending on the species. I suspect how readily a species fuses with itself will determine the likelihood of a crossing root lifting the root above it.

 

[Shibui]

I suspect how readily a species fuses with itself will determine the likelihood of a crossing root lifting the root above it.

Pressure applied will also be a factor. With just some plastic wrap holding the roots down it will be easier for the roots to lift than if there was tighter wrap or soil pressure holding them down.

It makes a lot of sense for species that don't inoscolate readily.

That's a new term to me. I'll have to check out the meaning and factors that influence it.

 

[CodeMonkey]

Good development so far...

Thanks Shibui, that's some great info that I'll certainly take on board.

I hadn't considered the crossing roots causing issues it that way, so I'll pay extra attention. It seems so obvious now you've said it though!

Thanks again!