1) Best Way To Repot Fruit Trees; 2) Pruning Fruit Trees During Warm Winter (nondormant?)

Question

I wasn’t sure if this question went through the first time, so sorry if it went through twice! 1) Patio Apple Tree (it’s done growing at about five feet): It got so crooked in its pot that the bamboo support rods don’t help and it looks pretty unhappy. Any ideas how to adjust it with minimal root damage? Bird Cherry Tree? (I think): is there any chance this small tree / giant shrub might be okay in a small pot? If it does need repotted, any pointers on how to get it out of a stone pot? Incidentally, I realise planting it in a stone pot wasn’t the best plan — the story behind how it got there is silly and long-winded! 2) The last few winters were unseasonably warm, so neither tree lost its leaves entirely. I worried they might not have been dormant and, if so, pruning them might have caused shock. Should they be pruned anyway? Thank you very much!

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Answer 1

I would prune the apple tree to make the branching lighter. It also may need to be repotted to facilitate it standing straight. If it's hardy in your area I would plant it in the ground.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/pruning-for-potted-fruit-trees.htm
You can prune in spring if the leaves are still on the trees.
I think your tree will come out of the stone pot if you lay it sideways on the ground and pull the tree out. You may need to loosen the sides with a long tool.