I have an A. robustum (A. ceriferum) which is scheduled for planting this year. Certain trees seem to prefer spring planting here, for example palmatums that resent the wet of a first winter, so I've decided to wait for spring to put this one in the ground. (This is a grafted tree and I believe it's on palmatum understock.) The problem is, it's quite root bound in its pot. I had thought to repot now, then put it in the ground in March, but now I'm not sure. Do you think it's better to leave it in its existing pot until I can put it in the ground, or give the roots a chance to get some good new growth in a larger pot over the winter before planting? -E
Do maples put on any root growth over the winter? I was under the impression that they don't. If this is indeed the case, I'd definitely wait till late winter or spring before messing with the root ball. The best time to root prune is when the dormant buds start to swell in late winter/early spring. Kevin in KC
I think people will have differing views depending on where they live. I always do my re-potting/root pruning in autumn,the main reason being spring here is hard on my maples,they have enough to cope with without the added strain of growing new roots...but also my climate allows me to do so this time of year. If like me you are sure there will be time for the new roots to harden off before it gets really cold,then I'd say re-pot it.Might as well let the plant grow some useful roots rather than some more circling roots you may have to remove in spring.
I've just had 2 maples delivered this morning and have just re-potted them.Looking around here you'd be forgiven for thinking it's still October.Autumn colours are still plentiful and many trees are still in full leaf.However I have to remember it's nearly December so I think this really is as late as I'm willing to do this procedure.There is a slight risk the pots could freeze in a month or so,so it's pushing it even for me. Luckily we're having a cold dry spell,cold enough to really slow or even stop bacteria multiplying,but they're still present....something to bear in mind when making any cuts to a plant this time of year,especially if it's a bit warmer and wet.We all know how prone palmatums are this time of year despite this inactivity,the symptoms not manifesting themselves until a warmer spell when the bacteria start multiplying again. So if you're really unsure,as Schattenfreude says,spring is the safest time to do this,but for me I'm better off doing it now.
Argh, I responded already last night, but it got lost. (Specifically the site complained about an unknown token, but I was already going to a different page and so my typing was lost when I returned...) Maples in pots here do put out roots when they go into the dormant period. Also I keep pots in a cold but dry room that will only freeze if it gets seriously cold outside; that is to say rarely. So root protection isn't an issue; the point is being able to keep the root growth from the maple when it goes in the ground, rather than breaking up the existing roots in spring, waiting for the initial leaf out, and then getting some more root growth at that time. In essence my experience here is that there are 3 principle periods of root growth: just after dormancy, after initial leaf out and after summer second round growth. So I think I agree with Houzi's second post. (We share similar weather, although my colds are a bit colder I think). -E
Houzi: Like your self i have just finished in the garden now for the rest of the remaining year and begining of the new. All jobs of re-potting root trimming and branch pruning re-staking and bending and wire tying of limbs on the Acers are complete All trees are in there new areas depending on how they faired this year, be that potted on or re planted in the ground elsewhere , small pots of 5-10 litre are near the workshop for quick protection from severe cold snaps etc. Basically anything in my garden that needs cutting back has been dealt with!! I firmly believe that spring is about new life and all plants suprising YOU and not you trying to suprise them, this always works for me and guess what all the plants and trees etc will be back same time same place same colours for us to enjoy. Now i realise that what works for me may not suit everybody we all live in different climates and zones, the UK seems to be quite moderate over the winter months and we only suffer for a few weeks at the most. So my autumn ritual will be remaing the same hopefully for many years to come.
Glad to hear you've got the garden sown up Roebuk,me too.I think we are fortunate and in the minority that we don't usually have really cold winters allowing us to get away with this now.I must say though,I used to do my pruning(limbs) in autumn too but have stopped now after too many bacterial attacks,killing some plants outright(they looked like a zebra) and reducing a couple of 5footers to a short ugly stump.They're re-growing now but sure look odd at the moment ha.
Well, you gentlemen amaze me! :) I am far from having things "sown up" (excellent pun!) for the winter but continue to make progress. Got the first round of leaves swept up (also had a blowout with the tractor tyre), 15 new palmatum grafts potted up, lots of pots brought under cover, some roses planted. Not a bad Sunday... :) But still have around 10 trees to get into the ground, lots of chainsaw work, quite a bit of repotting straightening, deer protection on new plantations, hedge maintenance, winter roundup around bases, mulching, bulbs to plant, pruning... is it ever done? Never... :) With luck and a lot of hard work I'll be ready for spring come March!
Not so amazing on my part Emery.Apart from re-potting 150 maples(2/3rds are only 2l size)my garden is tiny.Just had to tidy up,plant bulbs...job done ha ha.While I envy you of the size of your plot,I probably don't envy the work involved...but I loved every minute of being outside in the cold recently....roll on spring.Anyway,good luck mate,you know it's worth it! ps...I didn't even notice the pun :)
Heh, my best puns are usually the unintentional ones. :) Anyway the truth is that I do enjoy it, so I don't mind that it's never finished! cheers, -E
