Cut seedlings tap roots for forest?

[Cajunrider]

I have a bunch of BC seedlings grown in a couple big pots but the soil is very shallow. The seedlings look really good together for a couple dense forests. Should I simply let them grow naturally to BC forests or to take them out and cut the tap roots then attempt to compose the forests?

To me the natural method is very tempting. They look so good now. The roots are undoubtedly weaved together already. The only possible drawback is the continual growth of the big tap roots.

 

[stewarjm192]

I’d let them go untill the mass of roots is a bit more established, that way when you do pull
It out to cut tap roots, and further prune roots, your arrangement dosent go sideways on you if that makes sense

 

[Cajunrider]

Natural thin out this spring?

 

[Shibui]

Tap rot is a misnomer. Seeds do produce a strongly vertical radicle after germination but most trees soon develop stronger lateral roots and the original vertical root stops.
The shallow container will naturally limit the growth of the vertical roots and encourage the laterals so you could just let these be and hope for good laterals.
If I plan for a shallower pot in future I root prune early to discourage vertical roots and encourage shallower laterals. Better to do root chops early than to have to chop thicker main roots in future.

 

[johng]

I'm definitely in the leave it alone camp! The one thing I would be doing is encouraging the growth on the bigger trees and keeping the smaller trunks as small as possible.

 

[Cajunrider]

I'm definitely in the leave it alone camp! The one thing I would be doing is encouraging the growth on the bigger trees and keeping the smaller trunks as small as possible.

Thanks for your advice.
Since I have many seedlings, I now have two forests in identical size. The first one I left alone per your advice. The second I pull the seedlings out, trimmed the roots to length and plant them in the pot. I had difficulty in lining up the seedlings vertically for the second forest.

 

[Cajunrider]

Natural thin out this spring?
View attachment 527067

The seedlings are breaking out!