How to Grow Trees in Patio Containers

Many types of trees can be grown in patio containers.

Trees can make excellent accents to a patio or deck. Not only can the tree provide a beautiful decoration or centerpiece when selectively placed, but a larger tree can provide shade for the patio. A tree that is grown and raised in a patio container and/or is raised to be smaller than its natural size is a bonsai tree.

Things You'll Need

• Fertilizer
• Scissors
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Remove the tree from its original container and gently remove the excess soil from the root system. Gently comb out the root system. Use sharp, sterile scissors to trim away any dead or dying roots. Avoid trimming away more than 1/3 of the root system.

2. Line the bottom of the container with a nutrient-rich soil. Improve the soil's drainage potential by mixing the soil with equal amounts of organic compost. Center the tree in the container and fill the container with the remaining soil. Make sure that there are no roots showing. Gently press the soil firmly around the tree to secure the tree's upright position.

3. Water the tree thoroughly until the excess water runs from the bottom of the container. Place the tree in a warm, well-lit location. Choose a location that provides at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid placing the tree near sources of direct heat, such as a grill or stove. Do not fertilize the newly planted tree.

4. Fertilize the tree prior to the onset of its growing season, generally in the early spring. Use a well-balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Select a granular, slow-release fertilizer for the application and apply at half-strength.

5. Prune away any dead or dying foliage, branches and stems as they appear. Pinch away dying foliage and use sharp, sterile pruning shears to prune the branches and stems. Use an angular cut on branches and stems to promote rapid healing. Complete all major pruning procedures during the early spring, just before the growing season.

6. Water the tree regularly, approximately once each week. Increase the watering schedule during the hot summer months and reduce the schedule during the late fall and winter months. Avoid overwatering by checking the soil prior to each watering. Push your finger approximately 3 inches into the soil; when it feels dry to this depth, water the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a container with a depth that is equivalent to the trunk's diameter and at least 2/3 the tree's height. Choose a container that is larger than the minimum requirements if the tree is to be a larger size.

• Select a plastic container instead of a clay one since plastic containers retain moisture much longer than clay containers. If you are using a wooden container, choose a container that is made with untreated, rot-resistant wood to reduce the potential of root rot. Make sure that the selected container has a good drainage system with drainage holes at the bottom and on the side.

References

• Bonsai4me: Choosing the Right Pot for your Bonsai
• Backyard Nature: Trees for Container Gardens