Maple repot conundrum

[Fridge]

Hi all

I have neglected to repot my trident maple this year and the leaves are well and truly out. I'm slightly worried that I should have repotted this year as I can see some small roots coming to the surface which you can hopefully see in the attached picture

I know this is now not a great time for a repot but am I better doing it anyway or waiting for next year?

Thanks

Freddie

 

[bwaynef]

Does water pool on the soil surface? Is the tree suffering in any apparent way?

Its well past where I would be comfortable repotting without some extensive measures ...and some pretty good reasons.

 

[Fridge]

Does water pool on the soil surface? Is the tree suffering in any apparent way?

Its well past where I would be comfortable repotting without some extensive measures ...and some pretty good reasons.

No, water drains fine, and seems reasonable healthy to me. So guessing repotting can wait for next year?

 

[bwaynef]

It doesn't sound like this situation warrants the risk of repotting so late. Wait until next year (...or the next?). One thing you might consider is removing ½" of soil from the top and refreshing it w/ 1/4" of soil (...so that the soil surface sits ~1/4" below the rim of the pot). Then dress that w/ sphagnum moss. #soji

 

[Shibui]

A few roots growing at the surface or out the drain holes does not always indicate the tree needs repotting. Roots will grow in all directions provided there is some moisture available. Those surface roots will just dry up and disappear when they get too dry but there will be many more under the soil to keep the tree alive and happy.
Water not penetrating the soil, soil that is really hard or tree struggling to grow are better indicators. If you can water OK and the tree looks healthy I would leave repotting till next spring.