Container trees

[Deleted]

I have several dwarf fruit trees in large containers on my patio. Over the years the dirt slowly sinks and the dirt line ends up several inches down into the container. I have repotted them in the past to replace/add more material, but I'm afraid that's a bit traumatic for them being yanked out of their pots (not to mention a PITA for me since the pots are huge and heavy). It would be a really bad idea to just add dirt/compost to the top, right? I know you aren't supposed to pile things up around the trunks of trees in the ground, and I'm assuming that carries over to containers. Any other suggestions on how to deal with this, or am I just doomed to having to completely repot these suckers every year or two?

[treedimensional]

Ugh. As someone who also grows trees in huge pots, I feel your pain.
Yes, you need to take them up every few years, and when you do, you should root prune before repotting them.
Think of them as large bonsais and read about bonsai techniques to guide you.

[Deleted]

Thanks NB. Bummer. There is one non-dwarf tree on my driveway (former owners) that needs to be repotted so badly, but it's just more than I can handle at around 9 ft. tall, and I haven't found a service yet willing to do it for me. That one may just have to have a lingering death

[treedimensional]

Jun 30, 2012 10:23:49 GMT -5 @juno said:

Thanks NB. Bummer. There is one non-dwarf tree on my driveway (former owners) that needs to be repotted so badly, but it's just more than I can handle at around 9 ft. tall, and I haven't found a service yet willing to do it for me. That one may just have to have a lingering death

Why can't it go to ground somewhere?

[Deleted]

Jun 30, 2012 10:37:11 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

Jun 30, 2012 10:23:49 GMT -5 @juno said:

Thanks NB. Bummer. There is one non-dwarf tree on my driveway (former owners) that needs to be repotted so badly, but it's just more than I can handle at around 9 ft. tall, and I haven't found a service yet willing to do it for me. That one may just have to have a lingering death

Why can't it go to ground somewhere?

We have a postage stamp lot, and every inch of unpaved surface is planted to the brim already We already put a couple of their container trees in the ground (Japanese maple and huge loquat). The tree on the driveway acts as a screen for our guestroom window also, so there was a thought process for that one at least. I'd love to maintain it in that spot, I just don't think I'm physically capable. Maybe DH and I can hired a day laborer in the fall and give it a shot; it can't get any worse.

[treedimensional]

If you're growing Loquat you're too far away for me to come help.
I'd start with online bonsai forums. You might find some local expertise.
I'm not sure I'd trust a day laborer with root pruning.

[Deleted]

Well, the laborer would mostly be helping with the grunt work of getting the tree out of the container and back in without totally destroying it. Some people in my garden club might be able to explain root pruning. We're in NorCal, so pretty far away from the east coast distance-wise and a world away garden-practices wise.

[treedimensional]

When I repot large pots-
I let them dry out so they weigh less.
I tip the pot over and lay it down on it's side.
I use rebar to pry the rootball away from the side of the pot, while rolling the pot.
I test to see how loose it is by grabbing and rotating the plant by it's stem.
Eventually, you'll be able to pull it out of the pot. If the pot is wider at the top, it will be very easy; if it's more difficult if the pot is narrow at the top.

Always work on a tarp, to contain the soil. It helps to have an open, shaded area to work in, where you can dump a lot of water and mud.

Pull and shake off as much soil from the root ball as you can, but work fast. Then, submerge and soak the root ball in a large tub (I use a stock tank). It's physically demanding, but you can soak tree roots for many hours- even days- while you take breaks and do other things. I kneel and reach into the water, agitating the soil out of the root ball. I also periodically lift the tree and hose the roots, spill and refill the tub, until the roots are bare. Then, I prune them. Then I repot.

[Deleted]

Thanks! Is fall the best time? We're extremely moderate here (highs in the 60s/70s pretty much year round), but we do have rainy (Oct.-April) and dry (May-Sept) seasons. We get literally no rain during dry season.

[treedimensional]

Ideally, when It isn't too hot or sunny. Cool cloudy days are best. Not cold. But I've done this nasty job in all seasons.
If you dump a stock tank it will be a messy mudpit. My SMALL tank is 100gal but I never fill it full because it's too heavy to dump if I do. Use as little water in as small a container as possible to keep the roots submerged, because water is heavy. You can buy a big plastic container lots of places, so look around. Good luck!

[treedimensional]

You know about root pruning? You've done it? I may be able to find some online resources for you if you need them.

[Deleted]

Never done it. If you have anything to recommend, feel free. Otherwise, I'll talk to my garden club.

[treedimensional]

Bonsai people root prune to keep the plant small. I do it to remove root deformities caused by container confinement.
Beware b/c it's not a common practice & most are horrified at the suggestion. They will tell you not to and that you'll kill the plant. I hope you find someone who knows better!