Root ball

[2] The appearance and structure of the root ball will be largely dependent on the method of growing used in the production of the plant.

[4] Most commonly plants are grown in containers where the roots begin to circle and take the shape of their pot.

The root balls that have been exposed to this scenario have a very high chance of developing circling or girdling roots that will become problematic and possibly detrimental to the tree or plant's health in the future.

Experts from Clemson University suggest making several slice marks in the root ball from the top to the bottom going 1 to 2 inches deep as this has been found to have positive effects.

The experts from Florida University suggest shaving the entire outside of the root ball when it has taken the shape of the pot (otherwise known as rootbound) before planting it into a larger container or its location.

Root ball of a Phoenix canariensis palm tree.
The photo above displays a large rootball ready for transportation in Austria.
The photo above displays a root bound plant that was grown in a container.
The photo above displays two "ball and bur-lapped" (B&B) trees ready for transportation or planting.
The photo above displays a rootball being excavated.