I have some established JMaples under which I would like to plant some 7 year old hostas (that I am moving from elsewhere in the garden). Given the size of these plants I would need to dig a hole about 10" deep. I have heard that it isn't a good idea to plant like "this" as JM roots are quite 'sensitive' to such a disturbance. Is this your experience?
Most of the Japanese maple roots will be in those top 10 inches of soil but as long as you can avoid the main root "branches" when digging, and it is not too close to the trunk, should be do-able. (Assuming you are digging individual holes for each hosta - a large 10" deep hosta bed would be problematic.) Also depends on how many holes you are digging under each maple and how large said maples are.
Thanks for the quick reply. It would be two 10" holes, close to the drip line under this Acer. But you have got me "worried" as I couldn't bear to have this tree be adversely affected :(.
Two 10" holes close to the drip line should not be a big problem. Just dig slowly and carefully and if you come across a relatively large root be prepared to veer to the left or right to avoid it. Don't worry about digging up small roots, think of it as a bit of root pruning! Edit: and you might even be able to see which way some of the major roots are growing if you pull the mulch back and have a look around, and take steps to avoid them.
