Evaluating Pre-planting Root Modification Methods in Landscape Establishment of Lagerstroemia indica × Fauriei ‘Natchez'

Manipulating plant roots before installation is commonly employed to support establishment and vigorous growth of ornamental plants in the landscape; however, different methods and species-specific responses require more investigation. This study compared three pre-planting practices (slicing, hand-teasing, or severing the root ball) vs. no root manipulation in the establishment of Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’, one of the most common trees in the southern landscape. Plant growth index (height/widths), stem caliper, and end-of-study biomass were assessed. No differences between treatments were observed throughout or at the termination of the study, suggesting vigorously growing plants like Lagerstroemia may be less dependent on pre-plant root manipulation for successful establishment and that these practices may neither inhibit or enhance plant vigor. Our results indicate that if provided modest care, Lagerstroemia are a robust ornamental taxon that can be successfully established regardless of pre-plant root modifications; however, long-term benefits of root-manipulation practices may still be realized.