about 2 years ago i planted a fig tree in the ground (not sure the variety) and at the same time I took a clipping from the same tree and potted it. Since then the potted clipping has grown twice the size of the original tree, I'm not sure why the original tree has grown very little, maybe the soil or the location, but I'm considering moving the tree  back into a pot, and I would like to know from experienced forum members when is the best time to do this? and what is least disrupting method to the root system?


 

I would wait til fall, after leaf drop. Dig all around your tree, with a spade shovel, as you dig, angle slightly in toward the center of the root ball. Once you've gone completely around your tree, you can then use the shovel to pry it upward out of the ground. The diameter of the circle around your tree should be approximately the same as the diameter of the pot it is going into, maybe slightly wider, then you can trim it down to size. If you wait til after leaf drop your tree will be dormant and you can then remove all the in ground soil and replace with an appropriate potting mix. This will give you a good look at the roots and allow for a better root prune. Good luck.

I have seen this happen in cases of root infections like Root Knot Nematode (RKN).  For more info on RKN, see:

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/RKN-5842456

Remember, most potting soils come with fertilizer, whereas your ground does not.  It is possible that you just need to fertilize the in-ground tree.  Or maybe this idea will work for you:

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/Solution-for-NonSlow-Growing-Trees-5977954

I have an Osborn's Prolific doing the same thing. I have noticed that many of my fruit trees show very slow to no growth for a season or two and then take off. I think it may be due to the fact that I have clay and alkaline soil. I think it's the significant change in pH. As for the best time to up-root---dormancy. Use the biggest pot you can and cut out a root ball a few inches smaller than the sides of the planter. Then wash away the soil and plant the tree bareroot in the pot with a good potting medium (not garden soil). Good luck!

A long time ago, on Garden Web I read you should (picture an octagon) take a spade and sever roots from opposite parts of the octagon on week one.  This allows the tree to grow and you have pruned its roots, and it will actively put more roots into the center of the soil.  After a couple weeks, repeat on 2 other sides of the octagon.  Repeat every couple weeks until you have completely root pruned around the tree, and there will be tons of roots, no shock, and when you are ready it will be easy to lift, rinse and set into your container. 

Suzi

thank you! I will wait till late fall and give a try. 

how about if I wanted to plant the potted tree in the ground, when is ideal time for ground planting?

In VA? Any time, if properly watered. I prefer planting in late summer or mid-spring. This allows roots to establish before winter (if planted late summer) or to pass the risk of death by late freeze (if planted mid-spring)

Thanks  Jason  I will till mid-spring and avoid the risk.

Think about it just like you would with planting veggies - any time after tax day is just about perfect - risk of freeze after tax day is typically minimal.

Sam, 

I would say around April/May when the last frost has occurred. This is when I normally set out newly rooted trees and shrubs from the previous year and winter. Our winters can be a tad unreliable for consistency in the first year of a plants life. 


Chris