Ground growth root pruning vs frost

[Jrmcmich]

So just getting insight for next spring and wanting to put some trees in ground. My main question is since I would like to root prune to get nebari as good as possible before putting in ground and that timing is based on bud swelling but oftentimes I get frost and do bonsai shuffle. Just wondering should trees be put in a pot after root pruning and placed in ground like in May when temperatures are not likely to produce frost? Seems like extra process but only logical way to do root work.

Species thinking to put in ground: Korean hornbeam, Chinese quince, field maple, j. Maple, trident

Let me know thoughts

 

[rockm]

Not sure what you’re asking what’s with the pot in the ground?

 

[Jrmcmich]

Not sure what you’re asking what’s with the pot in the ground?

Sorry not pot in ground but worried if I do Root pruning at bud break and in ground already and then a cold spell with frost comes that it could kill or damage tree. So was wondering do I put in pot for the 1-2 months before more stable temps. Hope that makes sense

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I think it totally depends on how much roots you prune and how deep you plant them in the soil. A single night in the negatives isn't going to hurt your plants. A couple nights will not either, as long as the daytime temperatures are above. The ground is a great insulator.
Otherwise, root prune and plant them in fall?

 

[Jrmcmich]

I think it totally depends on how much roots you prune and how deep you plant them in the soil. A single night in the negatives isn't going to hurt your plants. A couple nights will not either, as long as the daytime temperatures are above. The ground is a great insulator.
Otherwise, root prune and plant them in fall?

guess didn’t realize fall a decent time for that. These have all had root work done at least once to them and will have been 2 years since that time in spring. Just thinking ahead of what I’d like to get in ground

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

When we get late frosts and the cherries and plums and apples are already blooming, we put up a couple string lights with those older lightbulbs (non-LED) and that raises the temperature enough to stop the flowers from freezing.
That might be another option for you, just watch out you don't step on them.
I believe repotting twice (pot to pot, and pot to soil after the frosts) might do the same damage as a little bit of frost. So I would avoid that and instead try to find a workaround like fall planting or making sure the young shoots don't die from freezing.

 

[roberthu]

The ground doesn't get frozen easily. You can also mulch them up to provide additional insulation.