This Kumquat should have a lot of circling roots and I need to plant it out in the ground. Can I take off one inch all the way around and then plant it or?????????????

Assuming the ground is warming up in your area and the risk of frost is gone, ideally you should bare root (submerge in water and gently fan away the sol) and fan the roots outward and plant directly in the soil from the ground. Then you can place the old container mix on top of the soil (like mulch) so the nutrients go back into the root area.

But that wasn't your question.

If you're asking "will it hurt the tree, because I would rather just cut 1" from around the entire perimeter" then yes it certainly can set it back... how much really depends. Sometimes the citrus roots can curve and circle and wrap back around, yet there really aren't very many of them (especially those labeled "dwarf"). Thus cutting the outer 1" CAN be problematic in those situations as you'd eliminate a lot of the rootball. But it's not certain and if the tree is otherwise healthy will probably be fine. It will spend time rebuilding those roots to establish itself.

I have noticed a difference between trees on Standard/Full sized (Carrizo) vs. the "dwarf" root-stock like Trifoliate hybrids. In the dozen or so Standard root balls I've bare rooted they would've been totally OK with what you're describing.

"Can you?" Yes and it will probably be fine, assuming it is cared for correctly afterward. I would certainly put shade cloth over it if you've hot afternoon summer heat and really watch your watering requirements. I would also remove any fruit very early, if only to save just the little bit of energy before it dropped them later.

Honestly, I'd take it out of the container and post a picture of the rootball to get more specific advice to your tree. You didn't state the age, current container size, etc.

Good luck with your tree and I hope it goes well!

If this makes ya feel better:

Quote:

Inspect your citrus for evidence of pot binding, a mass of roots growing in a spiral around the root ball, or J-rooting, horizontal growth of the main roots. Either pot binding or J-rooting may restrict root growth after planting. If roots are pot bound, make several vertical slashes through the root ball, or carefully remove obviously crowded roots to allow the potting soil and roots to interact with the soil of your planting site. It may be easier to cut some of the roots with pruning shears and to pull them until they protrude from the ball. If roots are not pot bound, don't cut them. Roots should be moist before planting, so soak them in a bucket of water while you prepare the planting site. -- Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide - Site Selection

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs118


I still think bare root is better as it affords you the last good look at the roots before planting. It ensures you have eliminated all the restricting roots inside the ball that aren't visible with potting soil around it. But it is extra work for potentially little gain other than peace of mind.

Good luck

Thanks I appreciate the tips. I'll make a decision soon and post it. Maybe I'll get lucky and it won't be as bad as I fear.