This step-by-step guide covers how to correctly plant trees and shrubs into pots or containers. You can watch the video version of this guide below.
Growing trees in containers is a great option for smaller gardens, ideal for brightening up a patio or terrace. For large planters, we recommend planting in situ, as they can become quite heavy.
Trees sold in containers (pots or bags) can be planted at any time of year, while root balls or bare root trees can only be planted from November to March.
What's in this guide
Equipment List
- Tree or shrub suited for container growing
- Suitable container
- Soil-based planting compost
- Trowel
- Rootgrow (optional but recommended)
Step 1: Choosing a tree suited to container growing
Some trees are better suited than others for growing in pots. Dwarf Cherry Blossom trees, Japanese Maples, compact Conifers, weeping Crab Apple trees, patio fruit trees, and Magnolia shrubs are particularly popular choices for container growing. Visit the Trees to Grow in Pots section for a full list of our recommendations.
Step 2: Choosing a suitable container
Your pot should be large enough to allow the tree’s roots to develop. As a rule of thumb, we recommend choosing a pot that is about twice as wide and twice as deep as the tree’s current root mass. There are some exceptions to this—Japanese Maples for instance prefer a more snug fit.
A square-shaped pot is ideal as it encourages the roots to grow outwards from the root mass, rather than wrapping around the pot in a circle.
Your pot should provide adequate drainage for your tree. If not, you may need to add some additional drainage holes to the bottom.
Step 3: Add crocks or large stones to the container
To aid drainage, add a layer of crocks or large stones to the pot before adding compost. Make sure they’re not acting like a cork so water can’t drain away.
Step 4: Add soil-based compost and apply Rootgrow
Next, add a layer of soil-based compost, or household compost mixed with an equal proportion of topsoil. The addition of soil stops the compost from drying out as quickly. You should add enough compost so that the top of the tree’s root mass sits just below the rim of the pot, once placed. Then, sprinkle some Rootgrow on top of the layer of compost to help the tree to grow strong and healthy roots.
Step 5: Place the tree in the container
Remove the tree from its production pot and carefully tease out the roots, taking care not to break them. Then, place the tree into the pot. Make sure it is level and that the top of the root mass is sitting just below the rim of the pot. If you have a single stem tree, check the trunk looks vertical from all orientations.
Trees planted into containers don’t require a stake or tie, but if it comes with a cane, you should leave this attached for around a year or so after planting to give it some extra support.
Step 6: Backfill and water
Backfill around the root mass with your compost. Gently firm the compost to remove any air pockets. Take care not to bank the soil up over the collar or graft union of the tree, as this can cause rotting. Next, give your tree a generous soaking of water using a watering can.
Step 7: After planting, adopt a good watering regime
Trees grown in containers tend to dry out much quicker than trees growing in the ground, so a good watering regime is essential, especially during a hot or dry spell.
If it’s spring or summer, continue to water well and regularly. In autumn, you will need to water less. In winter, dormant trees don’t require any watering, apart from evergreen trees, which may require occasional winter watering. Learn more about good watering practice by reading our guide on How to Water Trees Correctly.
