How to Plant Ornamental Trees in Pots
Ornamental trees planted in large pots provide a simple way to liven up your home landscape. Amur Maple, Japanese Maple, Little Gem Magnolia, Skyrocket Juniper and Dwarf Weeping Birch are just a few of the many types of ornamental trees that can be grown successfully in pots. Planting an ornamental tree in a pot is a simple task that must be done correctly to ensure that your tree will grow to be attractive and healthy. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Small ornamental tree
- Pot
- Drill (if necessary)
- Measuring tape
- Wire mesh screen
- Scissors
- Landscaping gravel
- Potting compost
- Aged manure
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Watering can
- Water soluble fertilizer
Instructions
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Purchase a small ornamental tree from your local garden center or nursery. Order your ornamental tree from a reputable catalog or online merchant if the type of tree you want is unavailable for purchase in your area.
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Select a suitable pot for your ornamental tree. Look for a pot that's a few inches larger in diameter than the roots of your tree. Make sure that the bottom of the pot that you choose has adequate holes for drainage. Drill four additional 1/4-inch drainage holes in the bottom of your pot, if necessary.
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Measure the bottom of the inside of your pot with a measuring tape. Make a note of the measurements and cut a wire mesh screen to those dimensions. Place the screen in the bottom of the pot.
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Spread 2 inches of landscaping gravel over the wire mesh screen in the bottom of the pot. The gravel, along with the screen, will help prevent the growing medium from being washed out when the ornamental tree is watered.
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Blend equal parts potting compost, aged manure, peat moss and perlite to create a nutrient-rich growing medium that also drains well. Add the growing medium to the bottom of the pot. Your ornamental tree should be planted at the same level within the medium as it was in its nursery container.
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Center your ornamental tree in the prepared pot and gently spread its roots. Add growing medium to the space around the tree until the pot is filled to the appropriate level. Use your hands to gently tamp down the growing medium in the pot.
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Water your ornamental tree immediately after planting, using a diluted solution of a water soluble garden fertilizer such as Miracle Grow, Miracid, Blooms Plus or Grow More. Mix a half-strength solution of the fertilizer according to the directions on the package. Add more water, if necessary, to thoroughly moisten the growing medium.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider using a specially-formulated fertilizer for your ornamental tree type, if available.
Do not allow the roots of your ornamental tree to stand in water. Make sure that excess water can drain away from the roots of your tree.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Olivier image by Cath Blot from Fotolia.com
