Next step is to trim the root system. The roots are trimmed to length with a pair of sturdy shears. Because the soil contains small stones and sand, you don't want to use your best shears beneath the soil line. The
8150 Ohkubo Hasami cutters are a sturdy, inexpensive alternative.
Trim every root, even just the tips of the small ones. This encourages branching and growth, which will increase the density of the root system.