Repoting considerations

[maroun.c]

If there were no frost consideration throughout autumn and winter and temps above freezing point throughout, whatbwoukd bebthe advantages/disadvantages of repots in:
Early autumn
Late autumn
Early winter
Late winter
VS early spring ?
Thanks

 

[Pj86]

If there were no frost consideration throughout autumn and winter and temps above freezing point throughout, whatbwoukd bebthe advantages/disadvantages of repots in:
Early autumn
Late autumn
Early winter
Late winter
VS early spring ?
Thanks

It all comes down to the physiology of the tree. Repots are done when the plants are about to distribute their energy back to foliar mass. This can also be affected by environmental factors.

 

[Shibui]

For hardy species I don't see much difference between repotting and root pruning any time through winter into spring but I have had a couple of bad reactions from Chinese elms root pruned early in winter. It may be that these are susceptible to infection through open root wounds. Whatever the reason or if there really is a reason I now repot Chinese elm closer to bud burst or slightly after.
I guess some considerations of repot timing will come down to species. Some will be able to cope with cut roots while dormant, others may not.
It may also depend on just how wintery the winter is. Growers further north of me assure me they can safely repot Chinese elm any time of year because they are never really dormant in sub tropics. Winter temps will also dictate whether early autumn is better than late autumn and just how late repotting can be done while still giving the tree time to recover before dormancy.

Most of the accumulated info is from cooler zones so, while that info can guide decisions for warmer areas, it probably does not give the full picture. You'll either need some data from experienced growers in similar climate or start testing different timing and options.

 

[penumbra]

I have had a couple of bad reactions from Chinese elms root pruned early in winter. It may be that these are susceptible to infection through open root wounds. Whatever the reason or if there really is a reason I now repot Chinese elm closer to bud burst or slightly after.

While most of my re potting is prior to bud break, I have had much success with with Chinese Elm s in the summer.

 

[Mike Corazzi]

For hardy species I don't see much difference between repotting and root pruning any time through winter into spring but I have had a couple of bad reactions from Chinese elms root pruned early in winter. It may be that these are susceptible to infection through open root wounds. Whatever the reason or if there really is a reason I now repot Chinese elm closer to bud burst or slightly after.
I guess some considerations of repot timing will come down to species. Some will be able to cope with cut roots while dormant, others may not.
It may also depend on just how wintery the winter is. Growers further north of me assure me they can safely repot Chinese elm any time of year because they are never really dormant in sub tropics. Winter temps will also dictate whether early autumn is better than late autumn and just how late repotting can be done while still giving the tree time to recover before dormancy.

Most of the accumulated info is from cooler zones so, while that info can guide decisions for warmer areas, it probably does not give the full picture. You'll either need some data from experienced growers in similar climate or start testing different timing and options.

Elms are such vigorous growth throwers that it may tax early work. ??