Mic,
There is not enough top growth for the tree to show any stress from bare-rooting. Normally, I would do this while the tree is still dormant or just starting to swell. Humidity is important if the tree is already leafed out. When I lived on the Gulf Coast, humidity was not so much of an issue. In Colorado, there is very little. Most of my trees were repotted 3-4 weeks ago. I think most of them are already in growth mode.
I started this tree in Dec. 2012. I have a very short growing season, so I am not sure the trees I bare-rooted will produce much fruit this year. Most of my trees are in the same boat, but I have a handful of trees which produce fruit for me this year.
jdsfrance,
I have yet to top prune a tree to bring it into "balance" with the roots I am removing. Since the trees are usually dormant, there is not so much demand on the root system. If the tree starts to break dormancy before enough roots have regrown, the top growth will slow down a bit. It will catch up. I still have 5 trees which are alive, but not yet (or have just started) growing.
As I mentioned in the video, I like the root ball to be on the dry side when I bare-root trees. I provide moisture for the roots with the spray bottle, but I do not like the extra weight in the growing mix. So I let them dry out a bit before root-pruning.
Jerry,
I do not recommend root pruning outside of the dormant period. Except for those people in areas with mild winters, I'd say in the few weeks before bud break. Also, it is important to note the growing mix I use is very loose and requires more frequent watering than most are use to. I am planning on setting up an ebb and flow hydroponic system to water/feed the trees. The AirPots will go into a slightly larger container that will fill up with water from the water then drain out.
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