Putting a small tree in a pot and putting it on a patio, balcony, or small yard can improve its look and feel. But it takes some knowledge and work to keep a tree alive and healthy in a pot for a long time. This article will talk about how long trees can live in pots and what factors affect that.
Why Do Trees Have Shorter Lives in Pots?
In nature, tree roots can spread out and grow big to hold the tree in place and take in water and food. Their roots can often spread out two to three times the width of the tree’s canopy.
But when a tree is planted in a pot, its roots are limited and can only grow to the edges of the pot. This makes it harder for the roots to get enough water and food to support the whole tree. Essentially, the tree becomes root-bound.
This is why trees that are grown in pots usually don’t live as long as trees that are planted in the ground. The limited root space slows their growth and makes them weaker and more likely to get health problems over time.
Typical Lifespan of Trees in Pots
How long a potted tree can survive depends on several factors, which we will detail below. However, some general guidelines for expected tree lifespans in containers are:
- Small trees (up to 10 ft tall): 5-7 years in ideal conditions
- Medium trees (10-20 ft tall): 3-5 years
- Large trees (20+ ft tall): 1-3 years
Of course, there are exceptions where people have kept potted trees alive for 10-15 years with very diligent care. But in general, the lifespan ranges above are what you can realistically expect for container trees.
Factors That Affect Potted Tree Longevity
There are several key factors that determine whether a potted tree will live for years or just a single season:
Tree Type
Some tree species are better suited to growing in pots than others. In general, slower-growing trees with shallower, less aggressive root systems will survive longer in containers. Some examples of trees that do well in pots include:
- Japanese maple
- Crepe myrtle
- Citrus trees
- Olive trees
- Crape myrtle
- Flowering cherry
On the other hand, fast-growing trees with invasive roots like willow, poplar, and silver maple are poor choices for potted trees and will quickly become root bound.
Pot Size
The size of the container is critical. As mentioned already, trees need a large root space. Planting a tree in too small of a pot will result in a very short lifespan.
As a general guideline, you want a container that is at least 2-3 times wider than the width of the trunk. For larger trees, the container should be 4-5 times the trunk width.
You also want to choose a pot that is proportional to the mature height of the tree variety. For example, a tree that will reach 15 feet tall needs at least a 20-inch wide pot.
Soil Quality
The soil mix used in the pot also impacts longevity. A high-quality potting soil that drains well but also retains some moisture is best. The soil should have plenty of organic material such as compost as well as a loamy texture. Avoid soils with a high clay content.
Climate Conditions
The environment the tree is kept in affects its health. If the tree is placed in ideal growing conditions for that species, it will live longer. Providing the right amounts of sunlight, water, humidity, temperatures, etc. allows it to thrive. Adverse conditions lead to stress and decline.
Pot Location
Where the tree is positioned also matters. It’s best to place potted trees in sheltered spots protected from strong winds, extreme cold and heat fluctuations, direct harsh sunlight, etc. These elements can damage trees more severely when they are in exposed pots.
Pruning and Maintenance
To keep a potted tree alive and well for as long as possible, you need to provide diligent care. Watering correctly, fertilizing annually, checking for pests, pruning judiciously to restrict size, and re-potting to refresh the soil are all critical. Neglected trees in pots deteriorate quickly.
Tips for Maximizing Lifespan of Potted Trees
Here are some tips that can help ensure your container trees survive and thrive for years:
- Gradually increase pot size as tree grows to allow roots to expand
- Use a quality potting soil and replenish nutrients annually
- Water thoroughly when top 2 inches of soil are dry
- Use a saucer under pot to prevent waterlogging
- Place in sheltered, favorable environment for tree species
- Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly
- Prune strategically to restrict size and shape
- Repot every 2-3 years using fresh soil
Signs Your Tree is Getting Root Bound
As a potted tree’s roots fill up the container, you’ll start to notice symptoms of it getting root bound. Watch for these signs:
- Slowing growth
- Leaf yellowing and wilting
- Thin, tufted foliage
- Declining health each year
- Roots circling visibly along soil surface or pot edges
This indicates it’s time to re-pot the tree into a larger container to rejuvenate growth. If the tree is getting too large for any practical pot size, it may be time to remove it and plant a younger tree.
When to Give Up and Plant in the Ground
Although pots enable flexibility with moving plants, all trees will eventually outgrow their containers. Deciduous trees often fill their root space within 5-7 years. Evergreen trees may max out their pots in 3-5 years.
Once the tree is strongly root-bound and showing signs of deteriorating health and vigor, it becomes inhumane to keep it in a pot. At this point, if you have the space, the best option is to find a spot in your garden and finally plant it in the ground. This allows the roots to fully spread out at last.
Just make sure you carefully prepare a wide planting hole and tease apart any girdling roots first. Then mulch well and water the transitioned tree to reduce transplant shock. With ample new root space, pot-bound trees usually rebound quickly.
So if you want to enjoy a tree on your patio for more than a few years, make sure to choose the right species, use a sufficiently large container, provide excellent care, and monitor its health annually. With some diligence, you can maximize the lifespan of potted trees.
Trees That Grow Well in Pots
Consider slow-growing trees that offer something across the seasons — those with spring blooms, fruit-bearing varieties and trees with vibrant fall foliage.
When growing trees in pots, the roots respond to air temperatures as if they were in colder climates, so consider what trees grow well in one to two hardiness zones colder than your current zone.
A citrus tree can seduce you with its scent. The Improved Meyer lemon blooms with fragrant white flowers and produces large, aromatic yellow fruit year-round. During the winter, place it indoors in a bright sunny spot to enjoy as a fragrant houseplant.
How to Grow a Lemon Tree in a Pot: Put the tree in a big pot that’s at least 20 inches across so the roots have room to grow. Use potting soil with some added grit or sand for drainage, leaving 1 to 2 inches at the top. To increase humidity in the winter, place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles. Regular pruning, especially in the trees first two years, is key for encouraging growth and creating structure for a plentiful yield.
Figs are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow in pots. They don’t need to be pruned often, and varieties like the Lattarula Italian Honey fig only grow to be about 8 feet tall, which makes them perfect for small spaces. In places where it doesn’t get below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, most fig trees can spend the winter outside in a safe place away from the wind.
Space-saving columnar apple trees grow upward in a single column. In cold climates, overwinter them in an unheated indoor space. In zones with freeze-thaw cycles, place them in a protected outdoor area. In warm climates without freezing winters, they can stay outdoors year-round. Pair them with a different variety of columnar apple tree for cross-pollination.
A popular houseplant with violin-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig hits a high note growing 6 to 10 feet tall. This tropical plant loves bright, indirect light and an occasional misting. Its territorial, so once you find the perfect spot, dont move it — although you can bring it outdoors during the summer.
A small to medium-size shrub or small tree, the compact crape myrtle reblooms all season long. Crape myrtles are hardy to zone 5 and can be left outside throughout the winter protected from the wind. They can also overwinter in a cool, dark spot and should be watered every three to four weeks.
Bay laurel, its dried leaves used to make an aromatic French bouquet garni, is an ornamental shrub thats happy as a houseplant and can summer outdoors. Hardy to zone 8, it can overwinter outside in a sheltered sunny area.
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A potted tree defines an entryway, brings nature to an urban space and provides a focal point in any garden. Growing trees in pots restricts their growth, making them perfect for small spaces or indoor gardens. Although some trees grow better in the ground, many thrive in containers. And as theyre portable, you can take them with you when you move.
Since you can overwinter frost-tender species indoors, growing trees in pots also enables you to cultivate trees that wouldnt normally survive in colder climates.
Can I Plant a Tree in a Container? // Garden Answer
FAQ
How long can a tree stay potted?
Trees can live in a container for as long as they are healthy and happy. For twenty years or more, your tree could stay in the same pot if you take the right care of it. Container-grown trees aren’t meant to be grown forever, though some types of trees may outlive their planters.
Can a tree survive in a pot?
Although some trees grow better in the ground, many thrive in containers. And as they’re portable, you can take them with you when you move. Jan 20, 2022.
Can you grow trees in 5 gallon buckets?
The best types of fruit trees to plant in a five-gallon bucket are small ones that bear lots of fruit quickly. With very little work required by you, these types of trees can help you quickly and easily start your garden.