You'll definitely get quicker development in the ground. I've tried both
and the difference is marked. If you can improve the soil with
leafmould, compost, well rotted horse manure or anything similar, to add
organic bulk, that helps. Also feeding well accelerates the fattening
up. Their ability to withstand cold will be enhanced by being planted in
the ground. "Maples of the World" gives its hardiness as zone 6, so you
should be OK. I'd mulch heavily to protect the roots if I were you
though.

Cheers

Kev Bailey
North Wales zone 9


I've got a small trident maple that I've had for a couple of years. I'm
thinking of letting it grow out to get larger and develop trunk
caliper. It just wintered outdoors with the rest of my trees in what
people tell me is about as harsh a winter as they get here. Would I get
quicker trunk development in a growing box or in the ground? I'm
thinking it would do ok in the ground with some protection in the
winter.

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a



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