Rotklumpens

Rotklumpens, or the root ball, is the mass of soil and roots that surrounds a plant’s root system when it is dug from the ground or grown in a container. In horticulture it is treated as a single planting unit, intended to be moved and planted with the soil intact. The term is common in Swedish gardening and nursery contexts, and in English literature the equivalent term is “root ball” or “rootball.”

The root ball comprises primary and secondary roots embedded in the surrounding soil, along with organic matter and moisture. In container-grown plants the roots often form a dense, circling pattern against the pot, a condition commonly called being root-bound, which can hamper establishment after transplanting. A healthy root ball should hold together when lifted and be moist but not waterlogged. If the root ball is dry or damaged, transplant success is reduced and extra care is required.

Handling and planting should aim to maintain the integrity of the root ball. Keep it intact and moistened during transport. Dig a planting hole wider and about as deep as the root ball, place the ball at the correct depth, backfill with loosened soil, and firm gently. Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch to conserve moisture, avoiding soil piling against the trunk. For bare-root plants, the roots lack soil and must be planted promptly and kept moist; for container-grown plants, outer roots can be loosened or pruned if needed to encourage outward growth.

In nursery practice, large trees are often sold as balled and burlapped (B&B); burlap is usually removed or cut away from the upper portion at planting, following local guidelines. The rotklumpens quality greatly influences transpanting success and long-term plant establishment.