Roots growing out of the pots into the ground

[newtothis]

I've got a container farm I never really intended to get so big. Last week I wanted to weedeat around the pots and moved some, but many had roots growing into the ground that broke off. How can you avoid this and did I damage the palms? Mostly phoenix and sabals.

[palmislandRandy]

I would move post this in the regular forum, if you want exposure.

[John in Andalucia]

I've got a container farm I never really intended to get so big. Last week I wanted to weedeat around the pots and moved some, but many had roots growing into the ground that broke off. How can you avoid this and did I damage the palms? Mostly phoenix and sabals.

I've had similar problems with a few Phoenix canariensis seedlings in pots. The radicle finds a drainage hole and once it gets out, it starts burrowing. It shouldn't kill the palm to snip them if you can't tug them out. Lateral root damage should be avoided, but hopefully you can catch the radicle before it starts to throw out too many roots. I always lay a sheet of polythene under pots outside if they are in contact with the soil. It saves on weeding too.

[Kathryn]

I set my containers on upside down coke crates. This gives an air gap and the roots stay in the pot.

[BS Man about Palms]

All the above is good for future 'growing in pots", but if it is a big root, I would leave it where it until you are ready to plant it, or pot it up. Tiny roots no problem.

Also, be aware sometimes the weeds roots will go "up" into the pot because its nice up there...

[newtothis]

Thanks for the replies! They all broke off as soon as I picked the pots up, but some were pushing 1/4". THey all seem to be doing fine weeks later though. I'll find something to put under them thanks!

[DoomsDave]

Thanks for the replies! They all broke off as soon as I picked the pots up, but some were pushing 1/4". THey all seem to be doing fine weeks later though. I'll find something to put under them thanks!

You have "made your bones" as the old time mafiosi used to say (at least in novels). You're a made guy!

It gets worse, of course.

Everyone has spoken the truth, and so far you have small roots.

Where it gets tough is with certain palms like Parajubaea which hate root trauma, whichi also root dep and quick if you let them, only to die later when you cut and move.

I like Kathryn's suggestion because she leaves a big gap.

Bill (BS Man ) is the king of the container ranch . . .