| [College of ACES] | [University of Illinois] | [Illinois CES] |
What a group of questions. (By the way its nice to see you back on the discussion group I was beggining to wonder what had happened to you)
There are 2 issues I think under consideration here. The first is structural, paticularly given the shallow sandy profile. You idea to brace
I think is most prudent.
The second group of questions relate to physiological issues. Should you cut the roots cleanly. Yes! Cut ends of woody roots can directly absorb
water. Should you apply a fungicide. No. No research I know of supports this possition, on the otherhand most efective decay preventing fungicides are
phytotoxic. Should you consider mycorrhyzae. Yes! consider each and every trick that may give the absorbing roots an advantage or improve their efectiveness.
Fertilizers can be beneficial in root development but with the low cost of soil testing in the States you may want to test first. No, do not apply a pruning spray or wound dressing.
There is good evidence to show that at its best this does no harm and at its worst...
Hope this answers them all
Mark