looks like a lot more roots then when i bare roots trees in my sand ....

and its a maple.. i doubt you could kill it, unless you left it laying there for a week or so ...

but.. your timing is perfect ... so i predict success ...

good luck

ken

Congratulations on a thorough job!

I would agree with Ken, it looks like the operation was a success. And, you have a LOT of roots there to sustain the tree. I trust you will reap the rewards 10 years down the road, with a thriving tree!

Thanks!
Unfortunately, a lot of those roots got clipped off. Maybe this shows it a bit better, but there were roots wrapping around the trunk at least 4" up from the flare. With very few exceptions, the root ball looked just like it did when I first removed it from the pot - just a lot more roots going in a circle. I did some pretty severe surgery. It's only a tree, but I hope it makes it.
{{gwi:460870}}

And the tree still has leaves? hmm.. I've done it only during the dormant season because I thought it would be the least traumatic for the tree. It's like operating on a person without anesthesia and with anesthesia.

I tried it during growing season and I think it pretty much ruined the tree so I gave it up. It was so damn weak and couldn't stand up so you can see why I'm hesitant to try that again from now on.

Use three "T" stakes and stake the tree to keep the tree from uprooting in high winds, if you have not already. Just leave enough play in the ties so the tree can still sway some.