What to do if trees were planted in temporary paper pots? (landscaping, homeowner)

[aiwei]

A certain builder did this while building a community: they planted all the trees in the paper pots they came in, without cutting the paper. Now all the trees are doomed because they are root-bound. I was told none of the trees could be saved... is that true? I wonder what would happen if the homeowners could dig around the root ball of each tree to expose the paper, cut it, then back fill the soil? Is this unrealistic? would it encourage the roots to grow out? How about if the trees get 15 - 20 min soaking daily? Could that help decompose the paper?

Please offer suggestions, especially if you are well educated in this field!

[esselcue]

Seems to me that any truly paper pot would dissolve eventually...certainly the roots can make their way through. I've seen tree roots burrow through the cracks in brick!

[chrokee69]

I have seen them grow rather well in paper pots. The only thing is that they need water and they will dissolve. But if you are still concerned, wait until fall ( late) and dig them up and cut the paper off and open the ball up. You may have to dig a little further down and wider to promote the root growth.
Then cover up to about 2 inch above the ball and wet down and cover then with mulch. But stay away from the red color mulch.
Anita

[Gretchen B]

Why don't you check with a nursery or landscaping company and see what they say? I've always thought that was the purpose of the paper pots - that they actually nourished the tree while they dissolved. I fear you would do more harm than good by trying to dig up the plant, which might damage any roots that have already made their way through the paper. Plus, exposing the tree roots to the air isn't too good either. If the trees are recently planted it probably won't matter, but if they've been in the ground for a while it might be risky.

[aiwei]

I have spoken to my neighbor who is in the landscaping biz... he said the trees were actually planted in wooden boxes! Yikes! So that really made the situation more severe...

We are having a residents meeting tomorrow night and we shall see what happens.

[Gretchen B]

Originally Posted by aiwei

I have spoken to my neighbor who is in the landscaping biz... he said the trees were actually planted in wooden boxes! Yikes! So that really made the situation more severe...

We are having a residents meeting tomorrow night and we shall see what happens.

Oooh. Not so good. What idiots did that???