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Re-potting a young tree and a old tree is not quite the same as you can get away with a lot more with a younger tree than you can with an older one.

It would look like your timing is optimal as the re-potting elms is best done when the buds are just starting to swell.

Wait a month after re-potting before you do any pruning or trimming to minimize stress. You can reduce the root mass by as much as 50% although I always tend to error on the "less" side.

I like to use a chopstick personally, it may take a bit longer than a rake but it seems to do a lot less damage. If the root mass is really condensed and packed, soaking it in a pail of water first will help make the job easier.

I do not have a concrete answer on bare rooting, I take my trees on a case by case basis.

Good luck,

Will

26-Feb-2005	#4
Will_Heath BANNED Join Date: Apr-2004 Location: Clinton Township, MI Country: USA USDA Zone: 6 MI AHS Heat Zone: 4 Posts: 4,227	Re-potting a young tree and a old tree is not quite the same as you can get away with a lot more with a younger tree than you can with an older one. It would look like your timing is optimal as the re-potting elms is best done when the buds are just starting to swell. Wait a month after re-potting before you do any pruning or trimming to minimize stress. You can reduce the root mass by as much as 50% although I always tend to error on the "less" side. I like to use a chopstick personally, it may take a bit longer than a rake but it seems to do a lot less damage. If the root mass is really condensed and packed, soaking it in a pail of water first will help make the job easier. I do not have a concrete answer on bare rooting, I take my trees on a case by case basis. Good luck, Will