(Of a tree, shrub, etc.) prepared for transplantation with the soil left intact around the roots, which are then usually wrapped in canvas or a similar material.
Origin
1940s.
Definition of root-balled in US English:
root-balled
adjective
(Of a tree, shrub, etc.) prepared for transplantation with the soil left intact around the roots, which are then usually wrapped in canvas or a similar material.