I have a plywood planter. what to do about outside use?
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I have a large dumpster size planter to plant a tree in that will not survive winter in Minnesota. It has sealing on the inside, but what do I need to make it all weather coated. I do want to paint it, but what can I use as a sealer to keep it weather proof. outside in summer, inside in winter....
8 answers
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What variety of tree are you talking about? And if you could provide pictures of your planter that would help us have a better idea of how to help you.
Catherine Smith
on Sep 23, 2013
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a marine sealant
Esther D
on Sep 23, 2013
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I think you've probably discovered trees don't work that way. If the tree is indeed root bound, you need to realize if you transplant it to a larger container, it is going to grow to fill that container and with an increased root system, you are going to have increased growth in the size of the tree. Since you've cut back the tree, it is compensating by trying to bush out or grow more laterally, hence the new growth at the lower trunk. If you are going to use that large container, I would suggest you put wheels on the bottom to make it easier for you to move around. Most big box stores sell wheels separately and you want to get heavy duty ones that can handle the weight of container, soil and growing tree. You mentioned your container is sealed on the inside, do you know with what? And do you have drain holes in the bottom of the container? As far as the outside, since you plan on keeping it outside in the summer, a good quality oil-based house paint should work nicely and last a long time. I went to college in Mn, so I can relate to the winter "issues". Maybe get it a fur coat? LOL
Catherine Smith
on Sep 24, 2013
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I have wheels on it( the new planter)already, and it was made with a drain hole to allow excess water into a pan, the inside of the container is lined with a rubberized coating( used to coat the back end of open pick up trucks.) It is in place up till about 8 inches from the top. I would like to keep a layer of peanut packing on the bottom to keep the soil from flowing out the drain hole as easily.( lighter then layer of rock) The thought has occurred to me that it might get too big to get out through the door anymore, or in at the end of summer. I guess I would have to keep shortening it. I have thought if it got large enough, I'd have to find a southern safari place to repot it, but would need to move it in a large moving truck. LOL.These trees are not generally easy to germinate, and I got lucky. I kept resoaking the seed in hot water for about a week, then let it set in water for a couple more weeks, all the time under a heat lamp. when it looked like it might be developing a little sprout, and kept it under the heat light. it thrust itself out of the pot like a strong man. a lot of fun!
Charlotte Siebenaler
on Sep 24, 2013
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@Catherine Smith Yes, I'll envy your zone 7 soon! but I am happy to not have yard work 12 months a year,to work on projects I don't have time for during summer.and getting the ecstasy of spring every year afyer a long winter is so fun too! Gotta bloom where your planted you know!! Thanks for your input. I love it! Pics attached below
Charlotte Siebenaler
on Sep 25, 2013
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@Catherine Smith I have to think further about how much dirt to put in this thing, My husband says that it will weigh 1000 pounds if I put all dirt in there. I'm not sure I want that much on one localized spot on my floor or on the deck!
Charlotte Siebenaler
on Sep 25, 2013
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Charolotte, That is a gorgeous tree! Yes, I can see where the overall weight could cause major problems. Ok, tell hubby it's time to get your a greenhouse! LOL Problem solved!!
Catherine Smith
on Sep 26, 2013
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So you think I could mix some dirt and peanuts, and the roots would still have enough to stretch out.? Can't see it standing in a very strong wind though. Oh, if I didn't have to heat a green house at 0* F, I would jump at it......I don' t think the local green houses start heating theirs up until January for the spring season. I am still trying to find options here....:)
Charlotte Siebenaler
on Sep 27, 2013
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