Again, degradation is slow or nonexistent, and ropes can girdle trunks and roots. Remove plastic containers from container-grown trees and shrubs. For plants in fiber pots, break away the top or remove the pot entirely. Many fiber pots are coated to extend their shelf life, but this slows degradation below ground and retards root extension. If roots are circling around the root ball exterior, cut through the roots in a few places.
Cutting helps prevent circling roots from eventually girdling the trunk.
Select trees grown in containers with vertical ribs or a copper-treatment on the interior container wall. These container modifications and treatments minimize circling root formation. After Planting Remove tags and labels from trees and shrubs to prevent girdling branches and trunks. Good follow-up watering helps promote root growth. Drip irrigation systems and water reservoir devices can facilitate watering.