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amanda starts with ... I was wondering about this question? poeple transplant big trees all the time - so I am thinking maybe they can re-establish a tap root? Is the tree just as strong in the ground? or do they tend to form fibrous roots as compensation? For some reason I have always thought that there is only ever one tap root and that's it. | About the Author amanda19 Geraldton. WA 24th July 2010 1:05pm #UserID: 2309 Posts: 4607 View All amanda19's Edible Fruit Trees |
Brendan says... Hi amanda, Contrary to popular belief, not all trees have a 'tap root'. (that'll stir 'em up:-). How do I know this? Well after the cyclone earlier this year flattened a lot of my trees, I was surprised how many had no tap root(s). For example, a 40m high gum tree (which is still on the ground), has virtually no tap root, but a lot of feeder/surface roots. I would say the re-planted trees look after themselves and establish their own feeder roots (& tap roots?) as needed :-) | About the Author Brendan Mackay, Q 26th July 2010 7:24am #UserID: 1947 Posts: 1722 View All Brendan's Edible Fruit Trees |
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Charles cant spell says... Seedlings grown/seeded insitu should grow a tap root if that is their habit (which as Brendan says is not always the case, plenty of plants have a mat wiry surface root system and little to noting of a tap root), however even if you had a hardy native with deep tap root that you left in the pot too long or damage the tap root etc it probably wouldn't grow a/another tap root. Also we dont encourage plants to grow tap roots as we water them, we want them to grow faster and survive but we are undermining there natural root growth mechanisms, which would normally be grow deep and find water. Hence what I am saying is most plants grown by, growing around and/or managed by humans will likely have a less than effective tap root. And certainly established pot bound plants that are planted into the ground are not going to establish tap roots any time soon, as you have to water them to keep them alive and that process itself stops the plant needing to send down a tap root. Blah blah, thats just my opinion etc as usual :) | About the Author Charlesstillcantspell1 Perth Innaloo 26th July 2010 11:31am #UserID: 2742 Posts: 411 View All Charlesstillcantspell1's Edible Fruit Trees |
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Original Post was last edited: 26th July 2010 11:34am | |
amanda says... Ta guys... u are right actually - not all trees seem to form a true tap root (hence I can happily dig up my jaboticabas - so my book tells me...) Fascinating about the gum tree tho'? No wonder it blew over? They sure as heck have one here (we had to get a front end loader in to dig up a few! we couldn't chainsaw the tap root so we lit a big fire under them - great fun actually..!) - maybe different species or climate/rainfall involved tho'. Shallow roots are a disaster in sand, wind, drought etc. CSS - good 2c worth mate. I guess time will tell with my transplantees and I will post on my "new" page when we move. Thanks for the feedback - I will just have to be brave and do it..! | About the Author amanda19 Geraldton. WA 26th July 2010 6:20pm #UserID: 2309 Posts: 4607 View All amanda19's Edible Fruit Trees |
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Original Post was last edited: 26th July 2010 8:30pm | |
Karen & Paul says... When is the big move Amanda? Have you found somewhere? Good luck with the transplants :-) We had some major earthworks done this week. Shaped all the front steep sloping yard and put a great rock wall in and rock steps. Now we can finally start planting out the front... So exciting!! In the process of shaping he ripped out my rogue pumpkin vine that was holding the steep bank together... In amongst it we found a sweet potato patch with a handful of little fellas, a nice surprise :-) You wouldn't read about it, our camera has packed it in. Off for a new one before I miss the story. Will post some photos when I get it up n running. Keep Well | About the Author Paul Karen1 Pottsville NSW 27th July 2010 9:51pm #UserID: 3143 Posts: 50 View All Paul Karen1's Edible Fruit Trees |