There is potential for zinc toxicity if you plant in galvanized pots ....... especially if soil/water pH are on the acidic side. There is plenty of potential for you to have complete control over your plants ht and width, but controlling its mass requires a little more finesse. IOW, your trunk is going to get thicker and thicker over time. You'll need to learn how to maintain your plants root system, because vitality, growth rate, and branch extension are all negatively affected by root congestion. At the approximate point where root congestion progresses to the stage where the entire root/soil mass can be lifted from the pot intact, limitations related to said congestion start affecting the plant and become progressively more limiting until there isn't much left of the plant. Usually, the plant succumbs to insect infestation or diseases as congestion worsens. BTW - potting up (as opposed to repotting, which includes root pruning) is not a cure for root congestion. It temporarily/partially leaves some of the associated limitations, but ensures those limitations will ALWAYS be in play until such time that you or someone familiar with root work actually gets their hands in the root mass and corrects the congestion. Al

5-1-1 mix works pretty well. Yes, it dries out fast but why not just water it every day? I prefer roottrapper over smart pots though. Doesn't dry out as fast and white covering keeps root system cooler. Here is a link that might be useful: roottrapper

You get what you pay for. I have so many pots, i just make my own. I find it a lot cheaper.

I find when I plant small bare root trees, the original soil often DOESN'T fill the holes. When I plant a tree I often have to remove a couple big rocks, and the top couple inches may be a dense mat of grass/sod. ==>>> i always took soil from the veg garden ... to back fill holes... throwing the sod in a compost heap.. that would break down the clumps by fall.. to replenish the veg garden ... or i just had a hole out behind the garage ... the thought that no where on your property.. could you steal some soil to properly fill a hole.. is NOT THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX ... come on peeps ... aeron.. no your trees are not dead.. and there is no reason you can replant them soon ... you make it sound that now that its done.. you cant call a REDO ... fix em dude.. no excuses .. ken