JWP repot time?

I have a 160 year old that is for many reasons well overdue for repotting. Because it is root bound and not draining as well as it should - I am considering a late Summer/early Autumn repot. Normally I favour early to mid February for my JWP's.

It really does need doing urgently - so do I chance a winter and go for February or do it as I have said above.

This is the South West of England UK.

Advice and thoughts really welcome.

Mike

OK, someone kick me if I'm wrong, but I believe repotting the tree at the proper time of the year is of much more concern to the survival of the tree. Being rootbound shouldn't cause the tree to die as long as you are dilligently watering and feeding.

I've never lost a tree because it was rootbound. I have lost them because I repotted at the wrong time.

With rootbound trees you just have to water differently. Put the tree in a tub of water up to the pot rim. Leave it there for a half hour; that will ensure that the entire root system gets watered.

Repot at the "normal" time.

JimLewis wrote:I've never lost a tree because it was rootbound. I have lost them because I repotted at the wrong time.

With rootbound trees you just have to water differently. Put the tree in a tub of water up to the pot rim. Leave it there for a half hour; that will ensure that the entire root system gets watered.

Repot at the "normal" time.

Would drilling (or making) holes through the rootball, just to help watering do any good (and wait 'till spring)?

That can damage roots. Soaking leaves roots as is. It probably would be fine, though.

JimLewis wrote:That can damage roots. Soaking leaves roots as is. It probably would be fine, though.

thanks

Drilling the rootball might be ok, but you risk opening the roots to potential pests and diseases which could be severely damaging or deadly to your tree.

Soak'em, don't poke'em!

Jay

OK, thought I would throw it out for thoughts. I shall based on what my peers have suggested wait until late Feb next year.

It has rained for 24 hours non-stop here so right now it is looking very healthy.

Mike