bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Cold damaged roots

You should be able to tell by the color and texture. If the roots had been killed by frost, the finer ones would not hold together. The larger ones would be mushy around a central core that would be more fibrous. Healthy roots would be white in the cross section at least. They might not be white on the outside depending on what kind of tree it was (Oak or persimmon roots might appear black).There also might be an odor, but this can be harder to differentiate. Budding is a good sign.

Eventually, dead roots might change color and become mushy and rotten, but it might take several weeks to begin that process. When repotting, it's a good idea to trim back the root system until you get to healthy looking roots, whether you have reason to believe they are rotten or not.

Regards,

Matt

18-Mar-2005	#2
TreeBay Tips:5¢ Advice:Free *MODERATOR GROUP* Join Date: Aug-2001 Location: Silicon Valley Country: USA USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 9,743	You should be able to tell by the color and texture. If the roots had been killed by frost, the finer ones would not hold together. The larger ones would be mushy around a central core that would be more fibrous. Healthy roots would be white in the cross section at least. They might not be white on the outside depending on what kind of tree it was (Oak or persimmon roots might appear black).There also might be an odor, but this can be harder to differentiate. Budding is a good sign. Eventually, dead roots might change color and become mushy and rotten, but it might take several weeks to begin that process. When repotting, it's a good idea to trim back the root system until you get to healthy looking roots, whether you have reason to believe they are rotten or not. Regards, Matt __________________ Want to be a seller on bonsaiAUCTIONS? Get authorized today! bonsaiTALK: Over 100,005.36 Megabytes Served this Month!