rootball

American  

[root-bawl, root-] / ˈrutˌbɔl, ˈrʊt- /

noun

1. a roughly spherical aggregate of roots and soil that is transplanted with a plant, especially a tree or shrub.

2. the ball of soil and roots of a plant growing in a pot or other container.

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Etymology

Origin of rootball

First recorded in 1925–30; root ¹ + ball ¹

Example Sentences

Lay the pot on its side on a lawn or soft soil, and use the saw to gnaw away at the rootball to free it from the inside of the pot.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 5, 2022

When you move it inside, place the tree in a watertight container, and surround the rootball with sawdust or mulch to hold moisture and to help keep the tree upright.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2021

Water enough to keep the rootball moist at all times, but don’t let it sit in water.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 11, 2021

In early March, dig up the plant and use your digging spade to slice off the outer third of each side of the rootball.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2016

Begin digging about a foot out from the crown and you’ll quickly discover the whereabouts of the large rootball.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 24, 2016