Can RootGrow Be Used After Planting?

Why RootGrow works best at planting

RootGrow Mycorrhizal Fungi contains beneficial fungi that form an association with living plant roots. For that relationship to begin, the product needs to be placed directly against the root system.

This is straightforward during planting because the bare roots, root ball or pot-grown root system are exposed before the soil is replaced.

Scattering standard RootGrow granules over the finished soil surface is not the same as applying them to the roots. The granules may remain too far from the active root zone, so the application is unlikely to be as effective or reliable as correct use during planting.

What should you do if the hedge has only just been planted?

If planting was completed very recently and the soil is still loose, it may be possible to correct the omission without lifting the plant.

Carefully draw back a small amount of soil from one side until part of the outer root system can be reached. Apply RootGrow at the rate shown on the packaging so that it touches the exposed roots. Replace the soil, firm it gently and water thoroughly.

Do not excavate around the whole plant, break apart an intact root ball or pull a bare-root plant back out of the ground simply to add RootGrow. The possible benefit does not justify damaging fine roots or disturbing a plant that has already been positioned and firmed.

For a long hedge line, treat each plant individually only where direct root contact can be achieved easily. Do not pour granules along the soil surface and assume rainfall will carry them to every root system.

What if the hedge has been planted for several weeks or months?

Once a hedge has settled into the ground, it is normally better to leave the roots undisturbed.

Standard RootGrow is not intended to be used as an ordinary surface feed. Digging close to established plants solely to add it may cut new roots, disturb the surrounding soil or create air pockets around the root zone.

For a hedge that is already establishing, concentrate on the conditions that support natural root development.

Keep the complete root zone moist

Check the soil below the surface rather than judging moisture by appearance alone. The top of the ground can look damp while the original pot root ball underneath is dry.

Water thoroughly when the root zone is beginning to dry, but do not keep heavy or poorly drained soil continually saturated. The correct watering frequency will vary with rainfall, temperature, wind, soil type, plant size and exposure.

Remove competition from grass and weeds

Keep a clear strip around newly planted hedging. Grass and weeds can compete strongly for water, particularly around small bare-root and cell-grown hedge plants.

Avoid cultivating deeply close to the stems because this can damage developing roots. Hand weeding or shallow removal is usually safer around a young hedge.

Use mulch correctly

A suitable organic mulch can reduce moisture loss and suppress weed growth. Apply it over moist soil, but leave a small clear gap around the stems so damp material is not piled directly against the plants.

Mulch will not correct poor drainage or replace watering. Check the soil beneath it regularly, especially during the first growing season.

Check planting depth and drainage

A struggling hedge is not necessarily lacking fungi or fertiliser.

Check that the plants have not been buried too deeply, that root balls are not drying out beneath a damp surface and that water is not collecting around the roots. A hedge planted in compacted or waterlogged ground may continue to struggle regardless of additional planting products.

The complete HPD guide to planting and caring for a hedge explains soil preparation, planting depth, watering and establishment in more detail.

Can RootGrow be mixed with water and poured on afterwards?

Do not assume that standard RootGrow granules can be turned into a post-planting soil drench.

Some RootGrow packs include a gel system for coating bare roots before they are planted. This does not make the product a general watering treatment for hedges that are already in the ground.

Always follow the instructions supplied with the exact pack. Unless the label provides a method for established plants, use RootGrow at planting with direct root contact rather than adding it to a watering can afterwards.

Will forgetting RootGrow cause a hedge to fail?

No. RootGrow is an optional planting aid, not a guarantee and not a replacement for correct planting.

A hedge can establish successfully without it where the chosen species suits the site and the roots receive suitable soil contact, moisture, drainage and aftercare.

If RootGrow was missed, do not panic or disturb a settled hedge. Regular moisture checks, weed control and sensible mulching will usually be more useful than trying to add the product retrospectively.

Feeding should also be based on the condition of the plants, soil and time of year. It should not be applied automatically to compensate for a missed RootGrow application.