1. Pot Dimensions

Your first consideration is the size of the pot in relation to the tree. The correct pot dimensions can be decided upon using some basic rules, depending on the dimensions of the tree.

• The general rule is that the pots depth should be equal to the diameter of the trunk just above soil level.
• For oval or rectangular pots, the length of the pot should be 2/3 the height of the tree.
• For round pots, the diameter of the pot should be 1/3 the height of the tree.
• For trees with particularly wide canopies a wider pot is appropriate and this can be compensated by using a slightly shallower one.
• A tree with a very thick trunk (in comparison with the height of the tree) may be best suited by a slightly deeper but narrower pot.

These guidelines are based upon aesthetics. For horticultural reasons, some tree species require larger or smaller pots. Species with very fast growing roots such as Trident Maples often require deeper pots and some flowering and fruiting species such as Crab Apples need a greater root run and therefore deeper or wider pot is appropriate.