I have some potted figs in 3 gl pots that hasn't hardly grown this year!

I'm just wondering if I could root prune them and plant them in-ground   Immediately next Spring ??

Essentially you would be planting a bareroot tree, no?

Jon,
I guess now that you mention it....Yes

Thanks....I never claimed to be a Gardener!   FAR FROM IT.

When you go to plant and slip it out of pot you will see if the roots just poking out or growing around in circular fashion.
If the latter all i would do if mine is make a few slices top to bottom and plant.
The latter is all i did with my elder hardy chicago before placement inground.

Thanks Martin,

I thought I read that maybe from you or Gorgi

But you know how dangerous I am when I think!

That is just what I will do.
 

Hi Cecil,l

I would wait until late October/early November to plant it.  The roots will establish themselves over winter and be ready to grow in the spring.

There are two problems with putting a tree from the container into the ground.

• First is a short term problem.  There is a draw on water in the ground.  Forces pull the water down.  Typically the growing mixes used in containers don't retain a lot of water.  The soil ends up pulling the moisture out of the rootball.  Until the roots establish themselves in the soil, it will require more frequent watering (especially if done during the summer)
• A more long-term issue is root circling.  When you put the tree in the ground, it is not so much of an issue since the roots are small.  As they grow thicker, there is a chance of the root choking off the supply of water/nutrients up the tree.  If you decide to cut the rootball, cut it all the way to the center of the tree.

I'm with Martin on this. A couple slices down the root ball and plant in ground. Do it now to give the tree the summer to grow. Never had a problem following that basic plan. Just water deeply for a couple weeks.

Thanks Guys

I rooted the plants last year and potted them up in March

I was just worried that the Winter might freeze the little guys (they are about 3' or better, all but my VS VDB it is still like me short & squatty.

I will cover the in-ground new plants with a 5 gl bucket if I have to prune them this winter..

Thanks again.