How to Repot a Fruit Tree Without Harming It—and Boost Your Harvests for Years to Come

Container fruit trees are a lovely way for those who have a smaller garden to grow their own lemons, figs, and more. However, over time, these trees will eventually outgrow their home and need to be moved to a new one. So, when is the best time to repot these important plants—and how do you do it?

The primary concern when repotting a fruit tree, of course, is not harming the plant. However, it's also important to consider the new vessel in which you're placing it, as well as the soil type. Here, we spoke to experts about these concerns, so you can successfully relocate a fruit tree from one container to another.

When to Repot

Most dwarf or semi dwarf fruit trees that are grown in containers need to be transplanted every two to four years, says Ondrea Kidd, lead floral designer and founder of Sowing Joy Farm. “You don’t want to repot your fruit tree until it needs it,” she warns. “They don’t like to be disturbed more than necessary.”

However, young trees generally require more frequent repotting, says Gail Pabst, communications coordinator with the National Garden Bureau. “Usually every one to two years, as their roots grow quickly,” she adds.

In terms of when to do it, the best time of year to repot a fruit tree is during its dormant season, says Kidd. This will be during "late fall after fruiting through early spring—before new growth is evident."

Signs That It’s Time to Repot

“The most common sign that a fruit tree needs to be replanted is seeing roots emerging from any area of the pot,” says Kidd. “This indicates that your tree’s roots have run out of growing room.”

When a tree becomes potbound, it means that its roots have grown so dense and matted that they essentially fill the entire pot. “They often spiral around and around, eventually choking themselves off and leaving no room for new growth,” explains Pabst. “This lack of space also means there isn't enough soil to hold adequate moisture and nutrients, which are vital for your tree's health.”

Pabst recommends pushing a finger into the soil. “If you encounter a dense mesh of roots that prevents your finger from penetrating, it's definitely time to repot,” she says.

Next, observe your tree’s overall size versus the pot size. Does your tree’s canopy look disproportionately large compared to the pot? This visual imbalance is a strong indicator that it's time to repot.

“For example, a container tree with a lush, green canopy that frequently tips over in strong winds is a classic sign of being top-heavy due to an undersized pot,” says Pabst. “The root system simply isn't extensive enough to anchor the larger growth above.”

Finally, a poor or diminished fruit harvest is a classic sign that it's time to repot. “If you notice a smaller-than-usual fruit crop, or if blossoms and young fruit are dropping prematurely, it could be a sign that the tree lacks the energy and resources to support proper fruit development,” says Pabst. “This indicates it's time to either refresh the soil or move the tree to a larger container.”

Choose the Right Container 

Choosing the correct container for your fruit tree is very important. “You want to choose a size only one to two sizes larger than its current one,” says Kidd. “Most dwarf or semi-dwarf trees do well in pots that are 20 to 28 inches, depending on their size." But beware: Moving your tree to a pot that's too large, she adds, can lead to oversaturation and a less stable base.

When choosing a pot, select one with drainage allowance, such as holes in the bottom and a tray underneath. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, create them yourself, or add a layer of gravel or small rocks to the bottom of the pot.

“I also encourage you to invest in a pot base with locking castors,” Kidd says. “This base will let you move your pot easily to other areas for aesthetic reasons, or to achieve the best light and temperature for your tree.”

Pabst suggests choosing a potting mix that is very well-draining and contains a balance of large particles—such as pine bark—and water-retaining ingredients—such as coconut coir or compost. Avoid fertilizer for several weeks after repotting.

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How to Do It

Repotting a fruit tree is fairly straightforward, but it's important to familiarize yourself with all of the necessary steps before you start. Here's how to do it the right way, according to Kidd: 

1. Gather all supplies and perhaps lay a tarp down for simple cleanup. 
2. If you’re using a castor base, set the pot on the base and lock the castors.
3. If your pot doesn't have drainage holes, first, add a 2 or 3-inch layer of small rocks or gravel at the bottom.
4. Add 3 or 4 inches of new potting soil to the new pot, mounding a bit in the middle.
5. Gently remove the tree from the old pot. 
6. Examine the root ball. Trim any overly long or damaged roots. Loosen any roots that are encircling the root ball. Be careful not to remove more than 25 percent of the root ball.
7. Gently place the tree in the new container. Make sure it's centered and that the top of the root ball is even with where you want your soil level to be—about 2 inches below the top edge of the pot.
8. Hold it steady while filling in the areas around the root ball, tamping down gently as you go to remove any air pockets. Continue to fill until the soil is 2 or 3 inches below the top edge of the pot.
9. Water it thoroughly until you see water drain out the bottom.
10. Monitor your tree for any signs of shock.

Do’s and Don’ts

There are some common pitfalls when it comes to repotting fruit trees. Here are a few best practices, according to Kidd, as well as some methods you should definitely avoid:

• Don’t repot on a whim. Make sure the tree is in the correct stage of dormancy. 
• Do handle the root ball gently. Take care not to trim and handle more than necessary.
• Don’t make unnecessary changes. Repotting your tree more than is needed can be detrimental, as they don't like to be disturbed.
• Do stabilize your tree. Make sure to use quality, well drained potting soil, and tamp it down around the newly potted tree to provide stability. You may need to stake your tree until the soil settles and the root ball establishes itself in its new pot—especially if your tree will be placed in a windy area.
• Don’t add fertilizer too quickly. Avoid fertilizer for at least four weeks after repotting to prevent burning and damage to the tree.