To dig away soil from the roots of a tree to expose them, especially for health or decorative purposes.
From Latin 'ablaqueate' (to dig around), composed of 'ab-' (away) and 'laqueate' (to encircle or fence). The term entered English through horticultural and agricultural texts.
This bizarre horticultural practice was believed to help trees in Roman gardens—exposing roots to air was thought to strengthen them, showing how ancient gardeners experimented with techniques we now know are often harmful.
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