Question
I have purchased a 揊orest Red Gum?Eucalyptus tree from our local nursery. It came in a small pot. It is about 2 meter tall ! with a few light branches (not top heavy- it can stand on its own) but the main trunk diameter is about the size of an average thumb finger (only 2.5 ~ 3 centimeter thick).


I believe it may have been in the pot for about 1.5 ~ 2 years.

I would like to know:


A. If this tree would be characterized as pot-bound with arrested growth.

B. What can I do to help the tree growth recovery?

I have already planted the tree about 2 days ago. I am thinking to go back and dig it out inorder to untangle the root system. I am not sure if this will help. Please advice.  

Answer
Forest,

With your name you should become a Master Gardener and/or a Bonsai tree expert! Just kidding you a bit.

A. Yes, I would say it is pot bound. I can't tell you without seeing the tree if it had arrested growth. That is not necessarily a bad thing or damaging to the tree, bonsai enthusiasts do it on purpose all the time. The smaller the pot a tree is kept in the smaller it will stay. It can be maintained healthily that way with proper practices.

B. I would dig it up and do some root untangeling so the roots move out in the surrounding soil. Do not destroy the root system in the process. Chopsticks can help with untangeling. Then give it about a month to recuperate and watch for signs of new growth. After that give it a dose of a natural fertilizer such as fish emulsion. Then in the fall start it on a regular program of fertilization once or twice a year using a tree fertilizer such as tree spikes.

Mother nature will take over and you tree will grow normally. Good luck.

Darlene