Elm Sapling

[CBTree]

Hi All, I’m very new to the tree growing sector. I have recently potted an oak sapling that I pulled from the ground a few weeks back, today I have done the same with an elm. Both about 1-1.5 foot tall. Any advice for the health of these trees and how to get them the best environment to continue their growth. Currently on the window sill indoors. Watering daily. I’ve put some moss around their bases too. Please let me know if I’m doing anything wrong? 
greatly appreciate the help

 

many thanks

[Rough Cutter]

Get the oak outside after the winter then leave it out.

I have taken down 3 elm just a few weeks ago because they had got too big for safely being where they were.

Be careful where you plant the elm .

What type of oak is it?

 

[CBTree]

not entirely sure what sort of oak it is. Here’s a pic. Its leaves have gone brown and stiff but still firmly attached. Small buds growing at the base of its leaves and green under the bark so hopefully still nice and healthy. Will keep a good eye on the elm. How often do you recommend watering over the winter whilst indoors? Any pointers to keep them both alive.  
 

 

[scbk]

I would put that in a much bigger pot, and leave it outside.

 

What's your plans for the trees, plant in your garden, or somewhere else

[Rough Cutter]

As above repot and put outside.

I wouldn't bother with the elm Tbh 

[Paul in the woods]

Wych elm?

[Steven P]

For future I'd wait till longer in the winter - no leaves - and the tree is dormant, but they are potted now. Long term they should go outside - definite for next winter (some trees need the winter cold to thrive next year). Assuming they have some roots soak the pot now so the sol settles round the roots but after not too wet and when there are no leaves keep the soil only damp. Roots also need to breath a bit - waterlogging can damage them, so not too wet and probably not watering every day. A bigger pot would help too.

 

'Pulled' from the ground sounds like you grabbed it and pulled, rather than dug up with the roots intact.. pulling will damage roots and it might struggle next year. Also be aware that they have just moved house, so like us, might need time to settle into the new home and thrive well

[Stubby]

I agree , bigger pots and out side . I always thought mid October for planting . Gets the roots established before they go to sleep so they can take off in the spring .

[Stere]

Best are supposedly the air pots but  they are expensive

 

Pot size needs  ideally to be just slightly larger than existing roots ball, potting up a plant in an overly  large pot with  small root ball is as a general rule is not good for the plant.

 

Very common issue:

 

https://www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-protection/overpotting

 

Best  is to  gradually pot up into bigger pots as it grows  until its gonna be  planted out etc...

 

Wouldn't think it needs to go in house but a small pot is vunerable if there is a ground frost  & you don't want soil in pot to to freeze.

 

Ideal would be greenhouse cold frame etc

 

 

[CBTree]

Thanks all for the advice. This is my current set up. Might build a little polly tunnel or something then.