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pruning top branches when roots are pruned.

In the Nafex members discussion forum, I have mentioned to prune the branches in Fall when root pruning. specifically when the roots had penetrated outside the pot and the tree had grown out. Prunning the top will compensate for the root loss. Here's what Alan Haigh Wrote:
 
 
I'd like to offer a different opinion then the posted suggestion of cutting back the branches of a potted fig tree after damaging (pruning) its root system. This is in the context of a potted tree that is allowed to spread it rooots in the ground underneath its pot. It has been well researched by Carl Whitcomb and others that trees with reduced root systems usually don't recover more affectively when top pruned to compensate.
 
In the case of a fruit tree, reduced root tends to lead to greater fruitfulness while reduced top leads to more vegetative growth.  I reduce the top to stimulate growth only when I desire more vegetative growth.  My fig trees never respond to root pruning with substantial die-back of branches.  I suggest you study this yourself by leaving roots unpruned and watch the results.
 
Alan Haigh, Home Orchard Co. Zone 6, Southeastern NY

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These results are true,but one,is is taking a risk,when leaving all the branching.
The tree might just decide it has not enough roots to live and ,go dead.
That is my opinion
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Here's my reply back to Alan.

"Alan,
I respect your opinion, but based on my experience with leaving branches unpruned after the roots had penetrated I got trees that became very weak. I had die back, fruitlessness,  and in some cases the trees died.
What happens is the fine roots are now on the outside of the pot. When these are cut the branches demand nutrients that the thick roots inside the pot are not able to supply."

Bass
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Bass
I have two questions
The first one is directly related to your post above where you say "When these (roots outside of the pot) are cut the branches demand nutrients that the thick roots inside the pot are not able to supply." What time frame are you referring to i.e. when will the unpruned branches need nutrients, in dormancy or after breaking the dormancy? I have read that roots are still acive in dormancy while the nutrient demand is reduced substantially.

Second question is about the root pruning time. I have read  about root pruning done in fall after dormancy, also just before dormancy break and have seen picture of root pruning when the plants had already leafed out. So, can the root pruninmg be done at ease, one plant at a time, spread over the dormancy period?
Is the earliest time during dormancy better than other times because the roots set in before the dormancy breaks and the nutrients demand increase?
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Ottawan,
I've learned the art of Bonsai by attending Bonsai studios and learned that the repotting of temperate trees is done in the fall after leaf drop, or right before bud break in spring. As far as repotting and pruning in the winter months although it's not popular because it's too cold to work outside, it can definitely be done during dormancy.
You're right, the roots remain active during winter.
I hope that answers your question. Anyone else have an opinion with this?
Bass
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Bass, thanks for your response.
I was thinking of potted plants brought inside to a cold storage with temperatures between 32F to 45F (and not working outside). I am in zone 5a and thinking of overwintering outside will be a bit over-stretching it.
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