I was reading one of Al's post concerning a tree's deteriorating growth pattern when re-potted without root pruning. Stating that a tree would deteriorate from a 9 grade to 8 to 7 and so on. Maybe the century+ old container citrus trees in Tuscany have not heard of AL. One can read about these trees in Oscar Tintori's book. These container grown citrus trees are over 100 years old and have been re-potted and re-potted many times over the century without even being removed from their containers. The Tuscany re-potting system simply uses a sharp knife to remove an inch or two from the container's sides and then refilled with fresh growing medium. If what Al wrote was always true, these old trees would have been dead many many years ago, instead they are doing fine, and heading into the second century.

I've heard the same story from you at least a half dozen times. I'd like to hear from someone other than you exactly how the trees are treated because I've observed first hand how you have cherry-picked bits and pieces of information to confirm your biases. I'd also like to see some pictures of trees you have repotted - preferably when in the middle of the process.

I can say with a great degree of certainty, having repotted dozens of trees large enough that it took 2 good men to even tip them out of their pots, the center of the root mass of large trees that have not recently been fully repotted forces sacrifice of a significant amount of any tree's potential in areas of growth, yield. and vitality ...... because that's what root congestion does - ask any nurseryman. When these large roots in the center and at the bottom of the root mass are removed to make room for the fine roots which do all the tree's heavy lifting, the change in vitality quickly becomes very conspicuous. Let me know when you've finished repotting your first thousand so we can have a meaningful conversation about what you think, instead of what you think someone else might think, as has habitually been the case in our past intercourse.

Al

Al, by "fully repotting" I assume you mean removing all soil mix, I.e., bare rooting. If so, I agree with your previous statement re center of the root mass of large trees that have not recently been fully repotted forces sacrifice of a significant amount of any tree's potential in areas of growth, yield. and vitality.."

Please comment on the repotting method used for centuries for "repotting" citrus in the Luxembourg gardens, as well as other very old gardens, that have been grown in "Luxembourg" planters. "Repotting" is accomplished by opening one wall of the container, removing a layer of soil and replacing it with new soil. This is repeated with the other three walls. Here is a photo:

https://www.eutouring.com/luxembourg_gardens_m15_DSC04996_lrg.jpg

Also, Oscar Tintori uses a similar method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC1LmKHaiUw

Al, it is quite simple, just read all about Italy's centenarian citrus trees in Oscar's book. It makes a great read. I'm sure I don't have to tell you about Oscar Tintori, as he is one of the wolds great container citrus growers. Never out of the original container in 100 plus years, and doing fine. In fact they have become a tourist attraction.

I appreciate the comments and will read the suggested links. In the meantime, is there any other thread you can suggest to post a couple questions that can be answered? Specifically, what is good to use to make a citrus soil mix and if it matters that you use gravel on the bottom on a container? Thank you.

Don't use gravel at the bottom. To keep cost's down I use natral (no- dye) pine bark mulch, Compost, and Perlite at a ratio of 3-2-1. My trees go on top of my house in the roof top garden where they get heat and wind. I have about 300 holes 1/4 inch Diameter through the bottom and lower 1/3 or its side. We cah discuss repotting in 3 years when its time to.

Steve

I forgot above I started with a more porous mixture like 5-1-1 at the bottom of the pot and finished with about a 2-3-1 with the middle 75% at 3-2-1. My roots at a transplant after some root pruning

Steve

Hi, Angie. You asked about a thread that discusses container media. I left a link upthread yesterday, with a couple of others I thought would be helpful.

This will take you to the thread, which has been active since 2005.

Al

Al and Steve, thank you so much. Your comments were very helpful and very much appreciated!