Soooooo as I was sitting and thinking last night a question came to me (again) about the merits of putting a tree into the ground to thicken its trunk. We all know it is the best way to do it but I have some restrictions that I would like anyone's learned opinion on. As you are aware I am talking about in the ground in Zone 5b/6a. Some trees are just not able to take the cold in the winter here, they go into my unheated garage. But what if
1- I place the tree in a oversized training pot in the ground until the weather gets too cold, then into the garage? Any Advantage?
2- I place the tree directly in the ground and carefully remove it to a pot when the temps go down, then into the garage? Advantage?
3- Just move the tree to a large growing box and bring the box into the garage in the winter? Advantage?
Now I know number three is prefered but it will take up the most room in the garage. I am talking about several trees. What is the thoughts of the group??
Jay