When can i cut the taproot on my apple tree seedling

[Bonsaithusiast]

I got very excited when i saw my apple seed germinating and I immediately repotted it into a soup can cause i had nothing else, its striving right now but it has a taproot the length of my index finger, and i didn't like that, When i took it out i didn't have feeder roots yet, it was just a long smooth taproot, so i was wondering when can i shorten that really long taproot? I forgot to mention its a week old. And also should i cut closer to the bottom, middle of the taproot or closer to trunk/base of the seedling?

 

[hemmy]

How many leaves does it have? Can you post a picture?

Some seedlings can survive drastic root reduction or even making stem cuttings (Japanese Black Pine) when they are in the young stage with just their cotyledon leaves out.

I have removed oak taproots at this 2-4 leave stage, sometimes leaving the acorn or other times removing it.

I don’t see anything on this site’s search for anyone doing Apple seedling cuttings. But the leaves on my apples seem to have a thinner cuticle (leaf covering) which would make them more susceptible to drying out during root pruning. Your temps look hot, 31C (88F). If that is accurate then pruning the tap root again after just repotting might be too much stress. But if it is in a young enough stage with enough energy reserves it might push more roots. It should be in the shade or afternoon shade after any root work at those temperatures.

Good luck!

 

[Bonsaithusiast]

here is my seedling, i have bench in my balcony that i can put this little seedling under, where its really cool and lots of shade.

How many leaves does it have? Can you post a picture?

Some seedlings can survive drastic root reduction or even making stem cuttings (Japanese Black Pine) when they are in the young stage with just their cotyledon leaves out.

I have removed oak taproots at this 2-4 leave stage, sometimes leaving the acorn or other times removing it.

I don’t see anything on this site’s search for anyone doing Apple seedling cuttings. But the leaves on my apples seem to have a thinner cuticle (leaf covering) which would make them more susceptible to drying out during root pruning. Your temps look hot, 31C (88F). If that is accurate then pruning the tap root again after just repotting might be too much stress. But if it is in a young enough stage with enough energy reserves it might push more roots. It should be in the shade or afternoon shade after any root work at those temperatures.

Good luck!

 

[bluone23]

I would not worry about the taproot at the moment.
Let it grow out for a few years and then you can cut what is growing directly down and leave the lateral roots.
From what I saw in some seed grown apple trees the taproot is not so big, not like in an oak for an example

 

[Bonsaithusiast]

I would not worry about the taproot at the moment.
Let it grow out for a few years and then you can cut what is growing directly down and leave the lateral roots.
From what I saw in some seed grown apple trees the taproot is not so big, not like in an oak for an example

understood and great idea, so right now i should worry about keeping a deep pot instead now i guess. Thanks a lot for the tips!

 

[Shibui]

All seedlings I have worked with can have the tap root removed at a very young age. IMHO, the younger the better and that includes if there's no side roots visible. Seedlings seem to be programmed to grow roots so even species that don't usually respond well to root pruning as adults will respond well as seedlings.
Apples are among the species that cope with root reduction very well so even if you don't reduce the root now it can still be done safely in the next few years. I've even cut almost all the root off apples so the trunk is like a big cutting.
A larger pot and plenty of fertilizer and water with good light levels will give some good growth this year and have your apple seedling further along the track to bonsai than keeping it in a little pot where growth will be slower.

 

[bluone23]

You can always use the tap root to your advantage, if it doesnt grow straight, you can use it as a trunk

(The tap root from this oak is actually the trunk)

 

[ERClover]

You can always use the tap root to your advantage, if it doesnt grow straight, you can use it as a trunk

(The tap root from this oak is actually the trunk)

View attachment 507634

That is a super cool little tree! Creative use of the tap root.

 

[bluone23]

That is a super cool little tree! Creative use of the tap root.

To be honest I was scared to cut it since there were not sp many sideroots

 

[Shibui]

To be honest I was scared to cut it since there were not sp many sideroots

This gets much easier when you have done it a few times and no problems. Just need to take the first step and try one.