In ground pot, to keep size down.

[RyanB]

Hello all,

Question for you all is, i've been told that tree's in a large pot will only grow to a size that the roots will allow inside of a pot.  I've been interested in getting a Tulip Poplar but really dont want a giant tree. If I made an "in ground" pot say 6 Ft deep by 3 Ft wide. Do you think this would keep the poplar from getting gigantic (Over 20 Ft tall)?

[G3farms]

I really don't see how you could make a pot that big that the roots could not find a crack in. Just a hair line crack and the roots will break it apart. If root bound in a pot I think it would die off after a little while if the wind did not blow it over.

Just thinking out loud.

G3

[Shawn]

Good point. I was also wondering if you didnt have any drain holes the roots might rot. Good idea though.

[doak]

Not a giant tree by any means.
40 to 80 ft tall. That is a midget compared to some you have in that neck of the woods.
If you have an area that is about 60 feet in diameter and not close to any power lines,
I don't see a problem. doak.

[maker]

A chainsaw works great for me when it comes to keeping trees short (think giant bonsai, not half a tree and top it early to encourage branching). The roots will keep going, though. Keep the poplars at least 20-30 feet away from concrete and plumbing. Poplar is notorious for shallow root systems and actively seeking out water. If there is a crack nearby the tree will find the water in it and grow there making the crack bigger/taller/deeper. And once there is a giant root under your driveway (right on a seam and lifting one side) getting rid of the tree only slows things down. The giant root keeps shooting new sprouts right on the edge or the cut/concrete. Don't ask how i know this, please. Let's just say stepping down into the garage isn't so bad until you are trying to push something heavy out of the garage and up the 3" step.

[RyanB]

Thanks for the replies everyone!  Anything over 20' tall is going to be an issue.  We had other poplar tree's that were about 80' tall and it cost me 4k to remove them. If they fell over they would either have destroyed my garage or the neighbors house.  Hence why I dont want anything larger then 20'.  I suppose I could top the tree, though I have been told that is bad for the tree. No real problems with the roots that I know of as there is no concrete within 20' of where I want to plant it.

Thanks again!

[doak]

Have you considered Mimosa trees?
after they get 10 to 15 feet tall, cut out the terminal bud.
Bees love-um. :)doak

[Wes Sapp]

While a beauty, Mimosa is an invasive weed:
http://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/article.phtml?cat=32&id=532
Such is the case with the Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin). Originally brought to the U.S. as an ornamental tree, it has escaped gardens and has pushed its way into natural areas that should be preserved for native plants. With its ability to reproduce vigorously and with only one natural enemy to keep it in check (Fusarium wilt), it has spread unchecked across the South.