Ed Gilmans 'guide to pruning' 2nd edition

[Gary Prentice]

Just reading this book and I came across this " few lateral roots form on the outside portion of a curved root segment "

 

I've never heard this before although personal experience makes me believe it. There's no explanation as to why this should occur, so does anyone know?

[treeseer]

Just reading this book and I came across this " few lateral roots form on the outside portion of a curved root segment "

 

I've never heard this before although personal experience makes me believe it. There's no explanation as to why this should occur, so does anyone know?

From page 42, this is in the context of potbound roots, pressurized and curved by growing against the container. No room for any laterals to grow in the pot, and the surface would still be quite hard for them to release through once free of that confinement.

 

When I unwind these, most of the laterals are at the end. Of course roots curving in nature would branch freely.

 

The 3rd edition is much more assertive about pruning these. Ed was maddeningly cautious at first, as Shigo was.

[easy-lift guy]

I agree the 3rd edition is much more comprehensive. Enjoy, the book is really a great read for all.

easy-lift guy

[Gary Prentice]

From page 42, this is in the context of potbound roots, pressurized and curved by growing against the container. No room for any laterals to grow in the pot, and the surface would still be quite hard for them to release through once free of that confinement.

 

When I unwind these, most of the laterals are at the end. Of course roots curving in nature would branch freely.

 

The 3rd edition is much more assertive about pruning these. Ed was maddeningly cautious at first, as Shigo was.

 

That's the concept I was struggling with. I thought he meant that encircling roots, once out of the container, were unlikely to grow new laterals on the convex side of a curve. Am I right in this though?

 

I think I need to revise and review my knowledge on how roots grow:blushing:

[Gary Prentice]

I agree the 3rd edition is much more comprehensive. Enjoy, the book is really a great read for all.

easy-lift guy

 

Definetly. I picked it up by chance, whilst looking for something else. I thought it would be of interest to the younger climbers at work but started to read it myself. It's a good read even if you have been pruning for years and years.

[treeseer]

That's the concept I was struggling with. I thought he meant that encircling roots, once out of the container, were unlikely to grow new laterals on the convex side of a curve. Am I right in this though?

 

I think/guess so. That tissue is hardened.

 

But why should they need to branch out, as long as the ends grow where they need to?

[treeseer]

That's the concept I was struggling with. I thought he meant that encircling roots, once out of the container, were unlikely to grow new laterals on the convex side of a curve. Am I right in this though?

 

I think/guess so. That tissue is hardened.

 

But why should they need to branch out, as long as the ends grow where they need to?

[Gary Prentice]

I think/guess so. That tissue is hardened.

 

But why should they need to branch out, as long as the ends grow where they need to?

 

It's all become clearer after going back and revising basic botany 101:001_rolleyes: Sometimes I just need to go back to the basics to remind myself how things work and the reasons things (growth) occurs for pre-determined reasons.