Can trees be kept in containers?
We are frequently asked if our trees can be planted into decorative containers and kept happily on patios or driveways for many subsequent years. Anything is possible but this is solely dependent on the amount of soil volume the tree can access. The greater the soil volume, the longer the tree can be successfully grown within its confines.
For a medium to large tree to reach its full size, its roots typically need access to around 30 cubic metres of soil. In a container, this is obviously not possible, so instead of thriving, the tree will gradually slow down and survive rather than grow.
Over time, the roots will fill every inch of the pot, becoming tightly packed. At this point, it becomes difficult to supply enough water and nutrients, and the tree’s health will begin to decline.
Think of a large tree in a container like an animal in a cage — if the space is too small, it will eventually suffer.
Even a container that looks large — say, a 1-metre cube — will usually only support a tree for about five years before decline sets in.
Can I put an evergreen in a container?
While you can grow evergreens in pots, they are harder to manage than deciduous trees.
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Deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn and grow fresh ones each spring, giving them a chance to rest and recover.
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Evergreens keep their foliage year-round, which means they constantly need water — even in winter.
During cold spells, the entire pot can freeze solid, especially since it’s raised above the ground and lacks insulation. When that happens, the tree can’t access water and may dry out, even if it’s surrounded by ice. This process is known as freeze-drying and is a common cause of failure in evergreen container trees.
How long will the tree last in the container?
Once a container-grown tree begins to decline, it’s very difficult to reverse the damage.
We don’t recommend growing trees in pots long-term, as most species won’t thrive this way. However, some varieties perform better than others:
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Olive trees (Olea europaea) can do well in containers for many years — sometimes decades — if you regularly prune the crown in spring and maintain a good watering and feeding routine.
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On the other hand, flowering cherries and fruit trees typically struggle in containers, as they don’t have enough root space to produce fruit year after year. These tend to decline more quickly.
If you’re set on using a container, choose the biggest pot you can and don’t expect it to last forever. Every extra litre of soil gives the tree more time to grow well.
How to compost your container
Finally, don’t just fill your pot with garden soil. Over time, it will compact and slump, squeezing out vital air pockets and leaving roots starved of oxygen.
Instead, use a free-draining, open-textured compost mix designed for containers. It’s not always easy to get it right — but giving your tree the right soil is just as important as choosing the right pot.
For more guidance on this feel free to call is on 01353 720950 or email us on info@barchamtrees.co.uk