Rootbound nursery stock, what to do before winter?

[RainbowGorilla]

I've got this juniper that I've had for a couple of months, I trimmed it just a bit, and was planning on leaving it until next summer to repot it.

Today, I noticed just how rootbound it was... I am meaning to build a crappy coldframe for the winter, but is there anything else / extra I should do to try to help this guy be healthy?

I am in Massachusetts, Zone 7a

Thank you!!

(I hadn't yet put moss around the rock yet so it just looks like a rock in dirt... give me a pass )

 

[Shibui]

A few roots out the drain holes does not always mean root bound. Roots usually grow out and down so drain holes is the first place they end up, well before the pot is full. I find a better test is to press down on the soil surface. If it compresses a little everything is good. If the soil is rock hard that means the pot is full of roots and needs repotting.
You are now well into Fall season so limited time for a repot to recover before dormancy. Also limited growth before dormancy so root bound will not matter until Spring.
Some growers have been doing Fall repots but, usually early Fall to allow time for root recovery before dormancy and I'm not sure whether Fall repot is just a light trim or a full repot.
First repot of most commercial trees SHOULD be extensive to do a full check and rearrangement of roots to set the tree up to develop a good, radial nebari as most commercial trees have tangled roots. That means a full repot and extensive root reduction. Spring repot has always been my preference for this process as I know from experience it works.
Given your time of year and probability the tree will be OK through winter, I'd wait until Spring and do a good job then.

 

[stubmle]

I'm also in Mass. I agree, best wait until spring to tackle that. I've done them in fall before, even later than this (I was a total noob and got lucky), but with hindsight I cannot recommend it over spring.

 

[RainbowGorilla]

Thank you both for the input!!

Spring it is.

And also appreciate the note about the commercial trees & tangled roots... I will have to take a closer look at all my trees next year

 

[LeftHandLuke]

I'd wait until Spring and do a good job then

Wonderfully articulated. And you'll be more than fine holding for spring, rest assured.