76. Taproot - the large root of a tree that grows vertically downward, anchoring it into the ground; it is usually referred to in bonsai, because of its need to be pruned shorter or removed for container cultivation.
For naturally growing trees, large and thick roots such as the taproots are
necessary for supporting the shoots. But a bonsai tree does not need thick
roots including the taproot. On the contrary, the taproot will inhibit the
growth of finer roots.
In wet locations, red maple seedlings produce short taproots with long and developed lateral roots, while on dry sites, they develop long taproots with significantly shorter laterals.
There was no way I could reach the taproot by bending over. Even though the tree might only have a short taproot, it nevertheless had one, and it had to be cut.There was nothing for it but to get down on my knees.
Hawthorns growing in drier soils will have very deep taproots and above ground, tall straight trunks free of lower branching.
The above ground part of a tree will very often be a mirror image of the below ground part.
There are three growth stages in the life of olive: childhood, youth and maturity. In childhood, olive grows only by a taproot, dedicating most of its vigor to form a trunk.
Take a seedling that looks like this. Notice the long taproot. Not conducive to a future bonsai.
Right Diagram: ...
We should dig the little tree out carefully without damaging the roots. We then remove the taproot, leave some earth on the roots, and wrap the plant in damp moss or moistened newspaper to avoid the mini bonsai tree from drying out.
When either purchasing a tree for conversion, or collecting a tree from the wild, you will find the tree will have a major root going downward. This is called the taproot and must be removed for the tree to fit into a shallow bonsai pot.
Start by undermining the root ball and then cut off the taproot. Once the tree has been rehessianrom the ground, wrap the root ball in hessian or a plastic bag.
Most perennials, except those with taproots, can be moved later to permanent spots in the flower garden. Leave annuals where they are sown -- collect the seeds of hardy annuals in the fall and scatter them in flower beds.
 See also: Tree, Bonsai, Trunk, Growing, Root
  
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