quote:

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when I put in a new one, should I be spreading or ripping apart the shrub's roots, so they aren't in a circular pot shape?

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I always do...everything I plant that's been in a pot, I spread the roots apart to get them out of "that shape".

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Buckle up! It makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car!

Also, try to ammend as much of the soil around the hole, as you can.. this encourages the roots to go out into all of the dirt around the hole as well.. *and not just stay inside the dug hole cause that's where all the good soil is...*
**does that make sense*

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Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

I always worried that I would kill the plant doing this by causing it too much stress at planting time. I have broken apart just the bottom part of the plants root ball but only on perennials and roses and shrubs. Annuals I am afraid of doing this to. Do you guys include annuals in what you are saying?

In extreme cases, when roots are extremely rootbound, you can even take a knife and cut away some of the mass or make diagonal slashes. It may seem radical, but it's much better than leaving them bound. I always loosen the roots on annuals, vegetables, perennials and anything else that's been grown in a pot or 6 pack.

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Dave
Even my growlights are getting restless!

Because the roots were so tight and dense when I took it out of the pot, I pulled the roots apart at the bottom and vetically through the middle so I could get them out of their pot shape. If I lose it, it won't be the first time, so I won't lose sleep over it, although I will be a little upset. Chalk it down to learning!

as the other said, gently break apart the root ball and make sure you've got a hole large enough and that the soil is loose enough so that the roots can grow through it (amend if necessary).

when watering a newly transplanted plant, make sure to water not just right at the root area right below the plant, also water at the 'drip-line'.

this is the circular area that lies below the out edge of the leaves on the plant. do good deep waterings of the drip line and the roots will reach out to get the water...helps the plant form a sturdy root system.