👋 I have this lime tree for the last 5 years. It's barely grown each year and hasn't given more than 5 limes. I always fertilize and take good care of it, but today I decided to dig the root flare and one of the roots appears to be circling 270 degrees around the flare. Is this healthy, or should I replace it before it's too late and start over?
by altug_keciciler
1 Comment
It’s not too late!
I think it’s feasible to gently separate that girdling root without having to cut it.
Gently loosen the thinner, fibrous end, you may need to pick gently at the soil, and use a leafblower to dislodge any clumps of soil, being careful not to tear or break fibrous roots if possible.
Try to “massage” the roots to loose them,
And you may be able to pull that girdled root back through, and around,
And extend it outwards, radially in the “correct” direction.
But you should definitely correct that root. Use a chisel to just chop it off if you can’t move it without ripping or tearing bark.