Root pruning significant portion root ball

[Chaplain242]

Has anyone had to prune 40% of one side of a root ball away? (Due to a fence being pushed due to root ball growth). Owner doesn’t want removed.

Has anyone had any good experience doing this?

Anyone recommend a fungal treatment to apply to a heavily cut root ball?

species is Metrosideros excelsa (NZ Christmas tree)

 

[Basswood]

Is it the root ball or root flare pushing the fence?

how old is the tree?

I’d have a hard time swallowing removing that much.

 

[Chaplain242]

Is it the root ball or root flare pushing the fence?

how old is the tree?

I’d have a hard time swallowing removing that much.

city is now involved in fence dispute - so yes it goes or the whole thing goes...

tree is old and has been cut many times before. These things are supposed to have a heavy prune every 4 years in urban setting. It has missed the last one or two prunings and now looks like an upside down conifer in shape.

apparently these trees will adjust the number of roots according to nutrition requirements so if heavily pruned will let some roots die off. But yes 40% is a lot hence the thread.

 

[RopeShield]

way easier to prune the fence. come on now

 

[Chaplain242]

way easier to prune the fence. come on now

The root ball is significantly bigger than the trunk diameter so can do it. Will be an interesting experiment, just putting it out there for tips and tricks advice...

 

[evo]

Photos... photos... photos... find the major roots with the airspade follow them to the trunk and find laterals. You know what to do from there.
Fuck the fence

 

[Chaplain242]

Yes wish I got photos but phone battery was flat at the time...

Will certainly do the pruning as you describe Evo. More to do with post treatment on the root ball after pruning...

The fence is the minor issue, the fence pushing into neighbour yard and shed is the issue.