New trees showed up loose in containers.

[Arbol]

Hey all,

I recently ordered some maples from a reputable online source and they showed up today. Trees look healthy, no broken branches and substrate was still moist. I noticed the trees seemed a bit wobbly in their 1 gallon containers so I topped them off with bonsai jack soil and that seemed to help secure them a bit. Question is, should I wire them down with guy wires or is topping them off with soil sufficient.

 

[penumbra]

Your experience is typical and I will say normal. Sounds like you have done what can be done. I am sure they will be fine.

 

[Arbol]

Your experience is typical and I will say normal. Sounds like you have done what can be done. I am sure they will be fine.

Thanks @penumbra I always feel like a helicopter parent whenever I get a new tree!

 

[pandacular]

I think it also depends on what you plan to do with them. If you are going to repot them this spring, I'd just leave them until them. Wobble is the root killer though, so if they're not due to be repotted, you may want to secure them more. One of the best ways I know to add security to an existing pot is to loop some wire through/under the pot and over a high crotch on the tree.

Personally, if the tree arrived loose, it would encourage me to repot sooner than later.

 

[Arbol]

One of the best ways I know to add security to an existing pot is to loop some wire through/under the pot and over a high crotch on the tree.

Yeah I’m gonna add some guy wires like you’re suggesting. They’re not up for a repot considering how much real estate they can occupy currently (plus the soil they’re in drains very well).

Thanks for the advice!

 

[TrevorLarsen]

If you want an easy way out just get a big rock until the repot in spring.

 

[GGB]

Yes, I know exactly which grower you are talking about. I still support them but it's an annoying quirk for sure. Haven't lost any trees because of it though

 

[penumbra]

Just want to add that in 45 years nursery business I encountered hundreds upon hundreds of plants loose in pots. I never once had to wire a plant in the pot. The very most I might do was to add soil, mulch a=or in rare conditions, rocks, packed down.
But do what makes you comfortable.

 

[Arbol]

Just want to add that in 45 years nursery business I encountered hundreds upon hundreds of plants loose in pots. I never once had to wire a plant in the pot. The very most I might do was to add soil, mulch a=or in rare conditions, rocks, packed down.
But do what makes you comfortable.

Yeah I’m not too concerned after seeing how snug they got with the added soil. I’ll repot in the spring for the sake of substrate uniformity. Thanks all!

 

[leatherback]

Shipping causes movement putting pressure on the rootball. Very normal for non-secured trees to get somewhat loose in their pots.

I personally always repot new acquisitions at the earliest possible moment to have insight on the roots and know the substrate they are in. Even when just growing out, working the rotos regularly is a good idea, as you will be able to adjust overly dominant roots.