samham
1331647838
Posted 1346160712
Reply with quote #1
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?
BLB
1214341548
Posted 1346161363
Reply with quote #2
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.
satellitehead
1257988353
Posted 1346162152
Reply with quote #3
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 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
go4broek
1287592943
Posted 1346162262
Reply with quote #4
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!
http://davesgarden.com/community/journals/vbc/go4broek/83546/
DesertDance
1247674606
Posted 1346163053
Reply with quote #5
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.
samham
1331647838
Posted 1346163058
Reply with quote #6
thank you! I will wait till late fall and give a try.
samham
1331647838
Posted 1346163191
Reply with quote #7
how about if I wanted to plant the potted tree in the ground, when is ideal time for ground planting?
satellitehead
1257988353
Posted 1346172375
Reply with quote #8
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)
samham
1331647838
Posted 1346174849
Reply with quote #9
Thanks Jason I will till mid-spring and avoid the risk.
satellitehead
1257988353
Posted 1346179790
Reply with quote #10
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.
SEGeo
1343244935
Posted 1346189188
Reply with quote #11
Sam,
