u/Kfkb1104

Hi , I purchased a red bud tree it was in a pot and I’m trying to expose root flare before planting . I believe I found it but what is this root here I feel like it’s above the root flare though not sure . It appears to be going down not around , Should I leave this be ? I have removed much of the soil to loosen up roots and afraid to remove more and lose whole ball. Please advise , ty