Planting root bound perennials

Hey all,
I'm in Minnesota (4a) and busy taking advantage of all the 50% off sales at local nurseries. One of the nurseries told me that to help a root bound plant grow, I need to rough up the roots before putting it in the ground. The method described to me was this:
- Take a razor blade and score the root ball every 1-2 inches, cutting into the root ball about an inch (depending on the size of the plant of course)
- Using the blade, score and x along the bottom of the root ball
- Rub my fingers across the surface of the roots to loosen them up between the cuts
- Cut off and remove any thickened areas where it's nothing but roots (usually where the corners of the pot come together)

Everytime I do this, I hold my breath. It just seems so rough on these tender little roots. Am I being overprotective? Is there a better way?

Thanks as always for the sage advice!
Beth

I don't know about sage advice, Beth, but with my new acquisitions I cut off half an inch of the worst root bound area on the bottom and score the sides before planting. Which is almost exactly what was suggested. My scoring on the sides isn't very deep; maybe a quarter or half an inch. Then I plant it and water it well. The reason I was given for this method is that it frees the roots to search for nutrients in the soil around it. As the roots spread out in search of food the plant grows.

I liken it to teaching a child to ride a bicycle. There's only so much you can teach while standing still. The only way for them to learn is to give them a push. There will likely be some scraped elbows and knees but soon the child will be riding on their own. You are giving the plants a push.

Gary

well that is interesting I usually just untangle them and spread them out as much as possible and cover with soil and I do not even bother watering them they will absorb moisture from the ground and fall is pretty wet and I have not lost one yet.

If I can untangle them I'll do that too, but there are some things I've bought where the roots were pretty much a solid mass, and in that case it's pretty much impossible to untangle them, so then you do need to do a little cutting/slicing of the rootball.

I have never used a razor but I have used a knife. I just use my gloved fingers most of the time. If the roots are really wound tight then I use the knife. I only cut a little, just enough to get my fingers in. I have used the knife to cut off about an inch of the bottom on a larger plant. I once had a plant in a pot that was very root bound. I took the plant out and cut off about 4 in. My grandson said "Nana, you are going to kill it." I said no I'm not. It still had 5 or 6 in. of roots. I replanted and it and it did great. If they are the 6 packs I would not use a razor. Good luck, Smokey

Yes, the 6 packs don't need any disturbing. For larger pots I take my pruning shears, and cut in four places - quartering the root ball. If they have a big bunch of roots pooling at the bottom of the pot, cut some of those off too. When you plant, pull the root ball out some, so soil can get up into the middle. I like to mound the soil and place the roots around the mound. Having removed roots, you will probably need to trim back the top some - about a third. And always water after planting. You want to remove air pockets and move the soil close to the plant roots. Even if the soil is already wet. (Although it is best NOT to plant when the soil is wet, as this destroys soil structure.)