rootballed

Rootballed is an adjective and verb used in horticulture to describe a plant that has been dug up with its root system enclosed in a surrounding mass of soil, the root ball. The root ball is often wrapped in burlap and may be placed in a wire basket or left naturally contained to protect the roots during handling and transport.

Rootballed stock is common for trees and shrubs when transplanting from nurseries or fields. This method preserves more of the plant’s fine roots compared with bare-root stock, potentially reducing transplant shock. It is frequently contrasted with containerized stock, where roots remain in a potting mix, and bare-root stock, which is sold without soil around the roots.

The root ball size varies with plant size and species, but the general aim is to keep most of the roots intact within a manageable soil mass. Digging is done carefully to avoid breaking the ball, and the ball is kept moist during handling. When planting, the hole should match or slightly exceed the diameter of the root ball, with backfill gently firmed around it. Staking and mulching may be used to stabilize and protect the transplant.

Limitations include the weight and fragility of large root balls, higher transport costs, and the need for appropriate equipment. Rootballed specimens require proper aftercare to ensure the roots resume growth in their new location. See also: balled-and-burlapped stock, transplanting, root pruning.