Today, a customer asked me whether it’s better to plant a tree in a pot or directly in the ground.
The answer depends on what you want.
Planting in a Pot
Advantages:
- Easy to move.
- Easy to change flowers or trees.
- You can choose pots of different height, texture, and color. The pot itself can become a design feature.
- If your garden has snails or pillbugs, keeping plants in pots can protect them.
Disadvantages:
- You need to water and fertilize carefully.
- Plants grow slower and need repotting eventually.
- Soil dries quickly, and nutrients can be lost fast.
Planting in the Ground
Advantages:
- Trees grow better and stronger. The natural power of the soil, sometimes called “soil strength,” is very important.
- Watering and fertilizing are easier.
Disadvantages:
- Moving or replacing trees is hard and can damage the tree.
In the case of my customer, the planting area was next to a sidewalk. I told them to consider that pots could be damaged by people or animals passing by.
If you ask me what I would do, I usually plant directly in the ground. Why?
- I have experience planting and moving trees, so I can handle the challenges.
- It’s easier to manage watering and fertilizing.
- Most importantly, the trees grow stronger and healthier.
However, you are not me. You have your own situation, so think carefully and make the decision that fits your garden best.
Written by Andy Lee
Owner of Andy’s Landscape Inc. – Landscape Contractor in Maple Ridge, BC