Ground growing

[Gr8tfuldad]

I have quite a few trees that are 2-3 years old currently in pots. I plan on growing them on tiles for a few seasons. I am sure a few need some root work, but I am uncertain as to when. Since they will be going in the ground, I will not be able to protect from frost. Should I still plan on removing from pots and working the roots as buds swell since they may receive a frost afterwards? Or should I wait until Mothers Day, our last frost date, to do all work? At that point surely buds would have broken on most varieties. Thanks for your insight.

 

[Dav4]

I have quite a few trees that are 2-3 years old currently in pots. I plan on growing them on tiles for a few seasons. I am sure a few need some root work, but I am uncertain as to when. Since they will be going in the ground, I will not be able to protect from frost. Should I still plan on removing from pots and working the roots as buds swell since they may receive a frost afterwards? Or should I wait until Mothers Day, our last frost date, to do all work? At that point surely buds would have broken on most varieties. Thanks for your insight.

I'd approach this work as if you're planning on putting the material back in a pot, meaning you should absolutely do appropriate root work at the right time, which for me is when the tree is beginning to break dormancy... Mother's day will be too late except for junipers I'd guess. Ground growing allows for lots of root growth, which means you need to work the roots before planting out, and follow up every year or 3 depending on species. Frost won't damage the roots but could damage tender spring growth in the canopy. Depending on the size of the planted tree, an upturned nursery pot, 5 gal bucket, or trash can is your friend on those cold nights.

 

[leatherback]

I did lots of rootwork for a video on field growing last week. This week we live in icy wonderland. Your trees will not worry, as long as they were healthy ad unsheltered beforehand.

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

I'd approach this work as if you're planning on putting the material back in a pot, meaning you should absolutely do appropriate root work at the right time, which for me is when the tree is beginning to break dormancy... Mother's day will be too late except for junipers I'd guess. Ground growing allows for lots of root growth, which means you need to work the roots before planting out, and follow up every year or 3 depending on species. Frost won't damage the roots but could damage tender spring growth in the canopy. Depending on the size of the planted tree, an upturned nursery pot, 5 gal bucket, or trash can is your friend on those cold nights.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

I did lots of rootwork for a video on field growing last week. This week we live in icy wonderland. Your trees will not worry, as long as they were healthy ad unsheltered beforehand.

Thank you, I will wait till they swell and in they go!!!