rootball

[ root-bawl, root- ]

noun

1. a roughly spherical aggregate of roots root and soil that is transplanted with a plant, especially a tree or shrub.
2. the ball of soil and roots root of a plant growing in a pot or other container.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rootball¹

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

Example Sentences

While England Bazball, Root has found a way to Rootball.

From BBC

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

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

From Seattle Times

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

How to prepare a planting hole: Dig a hole 1 or 2 inches deeper and slightly wider than the plant’s rootball; make it slightly square and rough up the sides of the hole.

From Los Angeles Times