transplanting trees from woods to pots

Question

My daughter is getting married in the fall. They are very country calm people. We want to decorate the hall for the reception to look outdoors. Can I dig up small trees from the country and plant in pots and use them that way? Also, should I dig them now and take care of them all summer or wait until September? We live in northeast Missouri. I have a rain barrel, so I could water them with great water.

Answer 1

As long as they are smaller trees, yes, you can do this. The larger the tree, the more likely it is to go into shock and die when move, especially when moved into a pot.

If you plan on doing this, I would do so now and keep them well watered. This will allow them to acclimate to the pots and they will be healthy looking by the wedding. If you do it close to the wedding, the trees may go into shock and not have time to recover from teh shock before the wedding.

This article may be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm