I understand your problem. Trees taken from the ground or from nursery pots
do not usually have a root configuration suitable for immediate transfer to
a slab planting. To accomplish a flat root mass, you must begin a slow
process of training which could take several years.
The first step is to remove those thick vertical roots that you mention.
Then plant your tree either in the ground over a flat tile or piece of
slate, or in a bonsai tray.
This would allow the tree to develop the fine root hairs necessary for a
slab planting. Of course, if the removal of the thick roots would leave you
with no other rootage, this procedure could not be used. In such a case, I
would suggest that this tree should be planted in a container rather than a
slab.
Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: "Vladimir"
To:
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2004 8:19 AM
Subject: [IBC] Nebary on fig -- how to?


Hello,

I train some 1 y.o. figs (ficus carica) grown from seeds. Those figs are
about 2-3 cm (about 1 inch) thick, during the year they were repotted
twice
and cutted -- they grows very fast. I did nothing with roots.

Yesterday I tried to develop nebary: I removed the soil from first fig's
root and planned to place roots star-like, develope plain root system,
etc.
However, I found 4 finger-thick roots growed horisontally for 3 cm and
then
grows stright down. How to place such roots horisontally -- I can't
imagine.
I placed the tree on a rock, but I don't delighted by result.

What shall I do? Gridle my trees or try to wire roots?

Thank you,
Vladimir.


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