Patio Trees: Grown in a Container

by DoItYourself Staff

Patio trees are a great way to add some green if you lack a lawn or your garden soil is poor. Although they require more care than ground grown ones, patio trees can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Keep the following points in mind to keep your patio trees grow healthy and happy.

Container selection

The first thing you need to do is to select an appropriate container. Container trees thrive when they have adequate space to grow. Containers come in a myriad of styles and materials, such as clay, plastic, terracotta and ceramic. Clay containers are heavier than plastic but are more suitable for larger trees since they can withstand winds and ignore cracks caused by growing roots. When selecting a container that is right for you, keep in mind that it should compliment the size and shape of the tree.

Make sure your containers have adequate drainage holes at the bottom to prevent the roots from drowning. If not, you may need to make holes or enlarge existing ones.

Tree Selection

The expected size of a mature tree should be kept in mind when deciding the size of the container. Dwarf trees and slow growing varieties of trees are typically favored patio trees. Conifers, especially the evergreen type, and junipers and pines grow well in containers.

Remember to loosen the roots of a tree before planting it. You may even need to cut an inch off vertically, to encourage the tree to grow fresh roots into the new soil.

Soil Selection

Careful soil selection is essential for the growth and survival of your container trees. Soil from the garden is heavy and does not drain properly. Instead, use loose well-drained soil with added compost and pumice to make it porous and to permit some aeration.

Watering

Remember to water your container frequently, since the roots of the trees can only search for water within the confines of the container. Stick your finger into the top 2 inches of soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water.

Fertilize

Frequent watering may leach important nutrients out of the soil, which makes fertilization at least twice a month necessary for healthy growth of container trees. Use either a slow -release organic fertilizer or a water-soluble liquid type.

Pruning

Pruning is important to help maintain the shape of the container tree. The ideal time to prune is once the tree has finished blooming or in fall. You do not have to prune entire sections--simply snipping off rogue stems helps refine the shape and encourages fresh growth.