Ponderosa repot question

[Flowerhouse]

I have two Ponderosas. Each was planted in an Anderson flat right after being collected. One has been in its flat since fall of 2020. It didn't have much in the way of roots when I planted it, but shows signs of great health now. Escaping roots, bright green color, strong buds. I pulled it out of its winter berth this morning and the soil is still frosty. I would like to repot it this year, but won't know what the roots look like until I get it out of the Anderson Flat. I have one plastic training pot oval that might be a good size for it, can't tell yet. My goal for now is just a next step, would really like it to be in something with a total weight less than a full wet Anderson Flat. How do I proceed? Do I pull it out of its pot, check out the roots, take measurements and solicit potting suggestions, then repot it in the Anderson flat and prepare for a real repot next spring? I don't want to mess this up, so suggestions are welcome.

My other Ponderosa is green and growing, but not as vibrantly healthy as the first, so I won't worry about repotting it this year.

 

[bwaynef]

I think you only want to touch the roots once, so you need to have a variety to choose from that work, size wise. An alternative is to build a wooden box to the exact dimensions needed.

 

[Flowerhouse]

I think you only want to touch the roots once, so you need to have a variety to choose from that work, size wise. An alternative is to build a wooden box to the exact dimensions needed.

Thanks! I've ordered some more pot choices. When they arrive I'll do the repot and post my results.