Repotting Patio Trees

Patio trees benefit from occasional repotting.

Patio trees, whether you grow them for ornamental or fruit-producing purposes, require care that combines the needs of a tree with those of a potted plant. Most patio tree varieties are dwarf or low-growing types, as these are best-suited to life in the confines of a container. Even though these trees are smaller, they still require occasional repotting so the roots don't become constricted in a too-small pot. Trees allowed to outgrow their pot can't absorb adequate nutrients or water from the soil, so they eventually decline and die.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Potting soil
• Trowel
• Knife

Instructions

1. Fill a pot with 3 to 5 inches of a compost-based potting soil. Use a container one size larger than the current pot that has drainage holes in the bottoms or bottom sides.

2. Insert a long trowel between the soil and the walls of the pot so you can lift the tree from the old pot. Work around the sides until all the soil is loosened.

3. Grasp the tree by the trunk, near the soil surface. Lift the tree out of the container. Depending on the size of the tree, you may need one person to hold the pot while the other lifts the tree.

4. Inspect the root ball of the tree for bound roots. Cut through any large roots that completely encircle the root and soil ball with a sharp knife so they don't constrict the interior roots after repotting.

5. Set the tree in the new container. Adjust the depth of the soil beneath the root ball until the top of the root ball sits 2 inches lower than the rim of the pot.

6. Fill in around the roots with additional potting soil. Water the tree thoroughly so the soil is completely moistened and so any air pockets collapse. Add more soil after watering, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Trees typically require repotting every two to four years. If the soil is drying out quickly and if roots are growing from the bottom of the pot or if the tree is lifting itself out of the soil, it likely requires repotting.

• Root pruning prevents trees from outgrowing their container. Instead of repotting, lift the tree from its current container and cut back the roots by a third of their length. Repot into the old container after pruning.

References

• Ohio State University Extension: Gardening in Containers
• Oregon State University: How to Grow a Tree on Your Patio