ROOTBALLED plants have an advantage as they come with the soil in the rootball and can only be moved when they are dormant (November - March)

ROOTBALLED plants are grown in the field and dug with a ball of soil around the roots.  The soil and roots are wrapped with a biodegradable hessian wrap which will decompose with time.  The hessian is held on the rootball with twine or is pinned in place with nails.  The hessian wrap should be kept on when planting.  Do not let the root system of the plant dry out. 

1. When excavating for planting of rootballed stock, plant  in good quality soil, at least 300mm clearance should be allowed between the rootball and the edge of the pit to facilitate staking and guying and to allow for an adequate amount of backfill between the rootball and edge of the it.  The depth of the rootball should be measured and the pit excavated to the depth which will accomodate the whole rootball. 
2. When introducing the rootball into the prepared pit it must be settled in firmly on the bottom and be standing upright.  Staking and guying of rootballed plants is carried out before returning the backfill
3. A layer of backfill should be placed on the filter material and firmed to prevent settlement of the rootball after planting.  The level of the rootball should be checked and if ncessary backfill added until it is judged that when placed in the pit the top of the rootball will be level with the top of the pit
4. The top of the rootball is the nursery mark and it is a common fault and very bad practice to plant rootballs too deeply.  It is better to leave the top slightly proud of the pit than to bury it too deeply
5. When planting rootballed plants it is not necessary to remove the hessian and wire from the rootball .  The hessian is biodegradable and soon rots away.  Leaving the wire intact ensures that the rootball remains firm.  The large spacing of the mesh or hessian does not impede root growth

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