Question about Mr Scheff's roots?

[graphyfotoz]

Here is a question for someone who knows a bit about Sheff's.

Are these roots dropping down? (Arrows in red)
If they are should I just let em run?
Should I cut off the dead looking nubb? (Yellow arrow)

[stinkdog12]

Hello Graph

Although I do not have any Schefs.....what you have there are aerial roots. The plant was probably kept in a humid place or misted a few times a day. When it is wet like that, it can actually sprout roots right out of the trunk. The option is yours at this point. You can either cut them back to the trunk before they get too big or you can keep them moist and they will probably continue to grow until they hit the soil. Me personally, I would let them grow and reach the ground because it will add an aged look to your tree.
As far as the nub there, I would probably be cautious about cutting it back any more than it is. If you cut it back real close to the next to lowest branch and it experiences any die back at all, you could loose that branch. I'm sure that your plant will probably fill out and cover it anyway. But if you want to cut it, then I would say go ahead and cut it but don't cut it all the way back to the next lowest branch.....leave the cut off of the branch a little to allow some room for die back, just in case.

That's just my two cents and I think that is pretty close to being correct but someone with more experience with Schefs might be able to answer it with more certainty.

Brock