GROWING TREES IN POTS
Trees can add height, depth and beautiful colour to any garden. And contrary to what many might think, you don’t need to have a big garden to grow them!
Growing trees in pots is a perfect solution for those with little or no outdoor space. You can start growing container trees if you have a balcony, a small patio, or even a front doorstep.
Our team is expert at providing landscape solutions in Sydney, and we can assist you with guidance and advice on the best way to grow trees in your garden.
This article will look at the benefits of growing trees in pots and how you can get started with it today!
THE BENEFITS OF GROWING TREES IN POTS
There are so many benefits to growing trees in containers rather than planting them directly into the ground. First, as mentioned previously, it means you can grow trees in your garden no matter how much space you have, or even if your outdoor area is completely paved.
It is also an incredibly convenient option! Trees in pots can be moved easily, whether this is to move it around your garden, so it receives the perfect light all year, or if you are moving house and want to take your cherished tree with you. It also enables you to move trees indoors or to a greenhouse to protect them from harsh weather.
Growing trees in pots also allows you to grow varieties that otherwise would not thrive in your garden’s soil type.
When trees are planted directly into the ground, the roots can spread far and wide, causing the tree to grow taller. This can make it very difficult to manage the growth of the tree. However, if you plant a tree in its own container, you can easily control its size to suit your preference and available space!
Now we’ve seen how many benefits there are to growing trees in pots, let’s see what we need to begin!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTAINER
The first thing you will need to start growing your tree is, of course, a suitable pot! The size of the container should be in proportion to the size of the tree you want to grow.
There are a multitude of options in different shapes, sizes and styles. They are also made out of various materials.
Clay and terracotta pots are often more durable and are well suited for heavier trees and harsh weather conditions. But they can be challenging to move around. Terracotta is usually frost resistant, which can help to protect your tree in areas with cooler temperatures or cold winters.
Plastic pots are a lot lighter and less sturdy. These are suitable for more delicate trees and are helpful if you move your plants around a lot.
Of course, when choosing the correct pot, you will also want to select a style that fits in well with your garden design!
TREES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR POTTING
You have a wide range to choose from when it comes to trees that can be grown in pots!
Most dwarf conifers and evergreens are suitable for growing in containers, as are deciduous trees such as the stunning Japanese maple.
You can even grow various fruit trees, such as olive, pomegranate, apple or citrus trees. Growing a fruit tree in a pot is advantageous as you can easily move the tree indoors to protect it from frost during winter.
Although growing a tree in a container helps manage its size, it can be advisable to choose slow-growing tree varieties for the best outcome.
To make sure you choose the most suitable variety of trees for you, it is always a good idea to get the help of our experienced Australian landscape designers!
THE IDEAL SOIL FOR POTTING TREES
Using the right kind of soil is vital to maintain a healthy tree. It is generally best not to use soil that has come directly from your garden, as this soil can harbour bugs, weeds and other things that could harm your plant.
Usually, loam-based soil is suitable for growing trees in a container. Loam is a mix of sand, silt and clay soil. However, acidic soil is preferable for some trees. All plants are different, so finding the perfect potting mix for your tree can be a little challenging.
Adding gravel or rocks to the bottom of the pot can help increase drainage and keep the plant’s roots healthy. Learn more about choosing pots for your garden on our website. You will see how each type of pot and soil have different drainage and water retention.
MAINTAINING TREES IN POTS
Potted trees require some extra love and care, and therefore must be repotted regularly to ensure they stay happy and healthy. As the tree grows, it will need to be transferred into a bigger pot. Trees should be repotted at least every other year, and it is best to do this in early spring.
During the re-potting process, you can replace some of the soil with fresh compost. Depending on the instructions on the compost bag, you can also add slow-release fertiliser to give your tree a shot of nutrients!
Watering is also an essential part of potted tree maintenance. It is important to check the soil regularly to make sure it is kept moist during warm weather. It is also necessary to check the pot often to make sure that it is draining correctly.
Pruning your trees helps remove dead, damaged or diseased shoots that could affect the rest of the plant. If your tree is diseased, remember to disinfect your pruning shears after use to prevent further spread. All tree varieties have different pruning needs, so it’s essential to do some research or ask our landscape designer’s advice before you begin.
GET STARTED NOW
Now you are ready to start growing beautiful trees in your garden! As we have seen, there are many factors to consider when planting trees, but with some work and a little help from an Australian landscape designer, you’ll be growing stunning trees in no time!
At Dapple Designs, we offer top-quality landscaping solutions in Sydney at affordable prices. No matter how much space you have to work with, our highly skilled team of Australian landscape designers can help you achieve a garden area you will love to spend time in.
Contact us today by calling 1300 DAPPLE (1300 327 753) to see how we can assist you. You are also welcome to complete the contact form below, and we will be in touch very soon!