Choosing the Perfect Container for Your Container Tree

Container gardens are becoming a widespread hobby. Gone are the days when land was needed to add the beauty of live flowers to your home. Now nearly everyone can have this same benefit by using containers for tree or floral growth. Dwarf varieties of trees you love are ideal for container gardens. The containers for trees are often used as portability mechanisms for those that cannot survive harsh winters.

The most important issue faced when searching for a container tree is what type of container will be needed. The size of the container will affect the size of the tree.

Small foliage or flowering trees are good for containers as they require less repotting. Examples of these include: Japanese maples, crab apples, and dogwoods. Shrubs are easier to handle in containers because they are smaller and need less space.

Container trees that can be left outside during the winter include those such as: apples, plums, walnuts, cherries, and more. These need temperatures between 45 degrees and 32 degrees Fahrenheit for between 100-1000 hours a winter. Check with someone from a nursery to learn specifics about your type of tree.

If you choose a dwarf tree, it will need 3 to 5 feet in which to spread its branches. A semi-dwarf would need 7 or 8 feet. Although fruit trees need sun to grow well and ripen, place the container in partial shade when the sun is particularly bright to prevent sunburn.

If you desire trees that self-pollinate, several are available such as: apricot, citrus, fig, most peach, pomegranate, and more. Apples, sweet cherry, pears and various others will need an additional tree spaced no further than 100 feet from the other in your garden. Research or ask a flower nursery staff member what are recommended pollinators.

Select a young tree-about one year old as they are more resilient. Dwarf varieties produce fruit in their first year while semi-dwarf varieties produce in their third to fifth year.

Do not choose root bound trees as it can affect the health of the tree and slow its growth. Look at the leaves to see if they are green and healthy. Inspect it for insect infestations and disease.

Plant the tree when you can in well-draining soil. Do not over water but give it plenty when the soil is dry.

Container options are endless. The opening needs to be wide enough for the top of the plant as well as for you to reach your hand into the container to work with your hands. Clay and terra cotta plants lose moisture so a tree planted in such a pot may need additional water.

Plastic tubs, wood, barrels, metal, and even concrete work as containers if there is a good drainage system

For smaller trees, use smaller containers. For larger trees, the size may need to be 15 to 120 quarts. Drainage holes need to be in the container so your tree does not sit in water too long. Sit the container on bricks or blocks for it to drain. For plants that need sunlight, use light colors to absorb less heat as it will encourage root growth. Plants that need full sun need synthetic resin, stone, concrete, or hardwood containers. These stay cooler and retain water longer than terra cotta. Cooler climates, or those above zone 7, should use stone, cement, or wood for containers to avoid cracks. Containers with wheels can be purchased and if you have a tree that will need to be relocated this could be handy.

Once you have your new tree and container, you will need to use a planting mixture that drains quickly to avoid the tree sitting in water but it must retain enough moisture so the roots can remain moist. Use compost to give your plants nutrients or a very good potting mixture.

Containers should be large enough to accommodate the tree chosen at its mature size. Water less frequently in cool weather. Lightweight plastic pots are best for moving trees. Use special soil because regular soil breeds diseases, insects, and weeds. If the tree outgrows its container you can prune it back and replant in another location.

Two gallon pots allow for growth of dwarf citrus trees and conifers on a balcony. Full sized trees can grow in up to 30 gal pots. When potting, the level needs to be medium about one inch below the top edge of the container to make watering easier. The top of the root system should be level with the surface of medium-don't bury roots too deep or they will suffer from lack of air or space. Light and frequent fertilizer is preferable containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in balanced proportions with lesser magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper.

Always remember if you have questions, call the plant nursery where you bought your tree. Ours at Mill Creek Gardens in Pocahontas, Arkansas is always friendly and willing to help.