Two for One: Splitting Roots
This is a great technique for reducing big clunky roots and spreading surface roots to create balance. All you need is a sharp chisel, your fingers and a stone to hold the roots apart until they set. The photos are from our Masters’ Series Pine book.
Will this technique work for ficus
It should. Ficus are very tough.
If you live in the temperate zone (cold winters, like much of the US and Europe), I think the key with tropicals is to do major surgery in the early summer. They respond best when temperatures are on the warm to hot side, and early summer gives them plenty of time to recover before temps start to drop.
How about Ulmus Parvifolia?
Chinese elms are strong. Really, this technique will work on any tree that can take root pruning, which means pretty much any tree.