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Most roots removed from a bare root plum tree. #784777
Asked March 22, 2022, 12:11 PM EDT
I purchased an 8' tall Stanley Plum tree from a company in Georgia that was delivered bare root this past week. More to the point of my question here, is that it was delivered "no root" at all. This was the largest sized caliper tree they sold and the base of the trunk near the graft was about 1 1/2 " . The three main roots were each about 3/4" each where they attached to the base of the tree. Problem was, they were cut off entirely to about 5" so were only stubs of the root structure. All of the nutrients, sugars, and water transfer ability of the tree remains down in Georgia. I only received the trunk and a bit of the main transfer roots. I sent them photo's of the tree and only was told that I have a one year warranty and they will replace it if it doesn't survive. That's fair, but I'm behind a year now if it dies. My question to you is whether such drastic pruning can allow the tree to survive at all, much less produce leaves and fruit. I have provided photo's below if you would like to see them. Thank you! Ted Johnson
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
When they come through I will send your question along to our fruit tree expert.
Thank you
I appreciate your concern about your tree. Thank you for sending pictures, it is very helpful. I agree, the root shortening looks pretty significant. However, it isn't uncommon to shorten roots so that trees can be more easily transferred, stored, and planted. The most important thing for tree establishment, regarding roots, is that the tree has thin, fibrous roots present. Most of the nutrient uptake occurs through these smallest roots. I can see that there are a good number of these smaller roots on your tree, although less than ideal.
Here is a great resource from Stark Bros about planting bare root trees. In it you'll see the tree roots are lopped off in a similar way to reduce length, making transport and planting easier.
https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/how-to-plant-a-bare-root-tree
I think that your tree may be ok, provided adequate care during establishment (soil, nutrition, water, weed management, sunlight). Good luck!
Anna
Anna