Alasdair

Don't just rely on your eyes, your nose can also tell you if roots are rotting. A healthy root ball will smell pleasent (in a weird kinda 'i like bonsai' sort of way) but rotten roots smell really bad, they're an assault on the nostrils.

Another thing to look for is plenty of fine, hair like roots. These are the ones that do the business and are the first to disappear if rot sets in.

Al

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I can feel another "I wish that was my tree" moment coming on...
Currently studying BSc Plant Biology at the Universty of Wales, Aberystwyth