First image, courtesy Cindy
My Father planted it,
And now I am gardening
On Earth
From this photo, it appears the root ball is already heavily root-bound.
The fine feeder roots have circled the inside edge of the pot, forming a dense mat around the perimeter, while several thicker structural roots emerge from the trunk.
I can't predict the exact root pattern in three years, but if the tree remains in the same-sized pot, a likely development is:
The existing circling roots will become thicker and more woody.
New fine feeder roots will continue to wrap around the outer edge of the root ball rather than spreading outward.
The center will become more compact, leaving less loose soil.
Some roots may begin girdling (crossing over and pressing against) other roots or even the trunk base, which can reduce long-term vigor.
Water and nutrients may penetrate the root ball less effectively because of the dense root mass.
If, instead, the tree is transplanted into a larger container or into the ground, the roots are more likely to:
Grow radially outward in all directions.
Produce new feeder roots beyond the current root ball.
Develop a broader, healthier root system rather than continuing to circle.
Based on the current image, I would estimate the root ball could become 30–70% denser over the next three years if left undisturbed, with most additional growth occurring around the outer circumference. This is an informed estimate rather than a precise prediction, since growth depends on the species, watering, fertilization, climate, and pot size.
Second image, courtesy Viki
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