On Apr 5, 2005, at 1:48 PM, Jim Lewis wrote:

Mary is here, and Craig is "there." There's a huge difference
in the growing season, which will determine how much root to
chop off. Dow here, you can dig them with almost NO root; I
wouldn't do that up here.


Definitely not.
A 3 inch base on a five foot tree sounds like flat top style to
me.

That first chop was so I could get it in the car. I'm thinking about
cutting it shorter, actually. I had thought about formal upright with
a lightning strike top. Right now it has no branches on the usable part
so it's wide open.

You will want to develop a WIDE shallow root system -- base
flaring almost like the bell of a trumpet, but more abruptly,
perhaps with a root or two folded up to represent "knees.". A 6-
inch-deep, 12-inch diameter pot probably should suit, with the
roots spread out around the trunk.

OK. I'll think about that.
As for the "need" for more moisture, they'll appreciate it, but
if there is sufficient organic material in the soil (2/3 organic
1/3 inorganic) there's no great need to keep them wet.

Where did this tree overwinter?

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL

It wintered over in a protected area in the front of the house behind a
retaining wall and in front of the foundation. It's basically below
ground level with good wind protection. It survived a number of nights
below zero, including the seasonal record of -18. I was surprised,
frankly.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37

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