Evan's Subalpine Fir #1

[jevanlewis]

I guess I'll start a progression thread for this subalpine fir since I have a question.

[July 2024]
This was collected under permit in Montana. I'll admit that July is past the ideal collection window, but since I got such a massive root ball, the risk was low. In fact, by the end of the growing season, the tree had turned a much darker green color on the older needles that were a bit paler when I first collected. Also note the subalpine fir to the left, which was collected in July 2023.

 

[jevanlewis]

[March 29, 2025]
Today, the tree has buds popping everywhere, including on the trunk and bare branches. Since I only collected it last year, I'm in no hurry to repot. But, I'm considering repotting into an Anderson Flat to start the transition out of it's native soil, which luckily isn't too bad since it is mostly well-draining duff. So, I want to ask if you think I am past the ideal repot window based on the buds. They haven't quite started extending, but they look like they will any day now.

 

[ponderingsage]

I would leave it in the box and not mess with it if it were mine.
It’s easy to get excited about trees and move too quick. I’m definitely guilty of that at times.
I have a subalpine alpine fir that I collected in a box and it’s been in there a few years. If yours doesn’t have any drainage issues, I would keep it in the box and let it reestablish.
Good luck! Looks like a nice tree.

 

[jevanlewis]

[April 20, 2025]

It's growing robustly, with buds everywhere on branches and the trunk. I decided to not repot this year. I will repot into an Anderson Flat next year, probably doing a HBR. This year, I will cut some branches to clean things up a bit and make sure the branches I ultimately want to keep, especially lower branches, aren't shaded too much.

 

[ponderingsage]

Nice! Mine is just getting started

 

[jevanlewis]

Nice! Mine is just getting started

Awesome! Have a picture to share?