Sometimes plants grow too big for their pots before they are planted and the roots fill all the available space. When the pot is removed there are only roots holding the shape of the pot. This is called root bound.
It is important to disrupt the circling roots before planting so that they grow out into the soil. Circling roots will get larger as they grow and can strangle the plant. Encouraging roots to grow out into the soil helps the plant have access to more nutrients and anchor in the soil.
The roots can be untangled by hand to spread them out. If the taproot is circling it is very important to straighten it out if possible. Small circling roots can be sliced with a blade vertically. It is better to cut the root then to let it eventually strangle the plant. Make clean cuts to cause minimal scaring as the plant heals.
Cutting off roots can be stressful to the new plant because it will not be able to take up as much water. Give extra care to a plant that had a severe root bound condition. Wilting may occur. When part of a plants root system is removed, removing an equal amount of the above ground portion of the plant will help with wilting. If the plant is a tree and branches can not be removed each leaf can be cut in half to reduce water loss through the leaves. In many cases even if the root system is damaged, the benefits of being in the soil with access to more water and nutrients will allow healthy growth without disturbing the above ground part of the plant.
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