I need to remove a 23 year old Clematis. What sort of root system do they have?

I looked all over for an answer to this question. We have a Clematis and if I remember right it's root system is extremely deep.





However you might try going to this web site and sending them an email. They seem to have an abundance of info on every type of Clematis there is:





http://hummingbirdfarm.net/clematis.htm





Good Luck!

I need to remove a 23 year old Clematis. What sort of root system do they have?
I took out an old clematis in my yard, actually attempting to save it and transplant it elsewhere. It is really difficult to get all of the roots, and mine didn't take. If you're just looking to get rid of it it should be no problem -- just get as much of the roots as you can, and the others will die off (mine did not send up little suckers at all). HTH!
Reply:if you just want to get rid of it,and not save it. wait untill it has green folaige then give it a shot of roundup. you may have to wait 2-3 weeks to make sure the roundup has gotten too the roots. then simply dig around the stalk as deep as you wish,chop it off, fill in hole and its bye bye to your clematis !!! lol...good luck.
Reply:Depends on the variety of Clematis, but being 23 yrs old I guess it would have a pretty good hold.


It should not be too difficult though, the bulk of the root system should be just below the soil surface, it may have lots of smaller roots going in all directions.


It will not be an easy task, some digging involved but you should be able to remove it with out too much problem.
Reply:I have never dug up a clematis, but if your are wondering how wide and deep you will need to dig, then start digging at least the width of the as deep as the plant is plant from the root base and plan to dig as deep as the plant is long, you need to remove as much of the root system as possible especially the taproot, this is a bigger, stronger root that will take root before the smaller roots. You can take your plant and transplant immediately in to your newly amended fertilized{sprinkle some timed-released fertilizer into the new hole and add water,plant the clematis. If the clematis has leaves on it you will want to keep the leaves moist for a couple of days[use either a water hose or hand held mister for this procedure] This is especially true if you live in a warm climate because the leaves would wilt faster. You can also trim off about a quarter of the old roots, this lets new root growth start, don't let the clematis dry out, until you see new growth, new leaves, then you can back off the watering, deep watering is the key, you want to water the root system not the trunk. GOOD LUCK