variants
or less commonly rootball
plural root balls also rootballs
: the compact mass of roots and soil formed by a plant especially in a container
If there are large circling roots or you have a difficult time straightening the roots, the root ball should be thinned and the soil loosened before planting.—
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Carey BrothersExamples of root ball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Haenni advises repotting every two to three years into a slightly larger pot and breaking up the root ball to promote healthy growth.
—Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 5 May 2026
Dig a planting hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of the plant.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
When the hole is half full, use your foot to gently tamp down the soil around the root ball.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Plant seedlings so that the top of the root ball is two to three inches below the soil level.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for root ball
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Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 5 May 2026
Dig a planting hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of the plant.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 May 2026
When the hole is half full, use your foot to gently tamp down the soil around the root ball.
—Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Plant seedlings so that the top of the root ball is two to three inches below the soil level.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for root ball
Cite this Entry
“Root ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20ball. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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