For ~3yr old trees already in what I think are 5gal pots is it too late to see significant benefits from the rootmaker pots, given their relatively high cost? I have a massive number of sturdy plastic pots already in every size.

They look to be moderately root bound but not circling noticeably. I am about to repot.

If the roots are not already circling, then Air Root Pruning Containers (ARPC) would be of value. However, as your trees are already in 5-gallon containers, you will need to order the 100-ft. rolls of the Root Builder container system.- Of course the best results are obtained by starting the tree on the ARPC when the trees are still young small trees, and move up into larger ARPC, as the trees growers. - Millet

The "RootBarrier" fabric rolls, or the "RootBuilder II" hard plastic devices? I don't see exactly what you are describing on the rootmaker site.

Looking at Root Makers web site I see that the Root Builder-II kits only go up to 5-gallon size. In the commercial grower area the Root Builder-II Kits go up in size much larger than 5-gallons. I have an account with Root Maker, and purchase as a commercial customer. However, I have never purchased the kits. I always purchase the Root Builder-11 expandable container product in the 100-foot rolls. If you would like to try the Root Builder-II container in a size larger than the 5-gallon container that your tree is presently in, I would be happy to send you enough material off one of my rolls to make either a 6 -7-8-or 9 gallon container. You make the size container you wish, and tie it closed using plastic ties. I would only charge you the freight from my place to yours via UPS. If you would like to try it, send me a PM giving me your address.- Millet

I would love to try this, thanks! I'll PM you.

Received it today, thanks again Millet.

Material is very sturdy and was pretty easy to assemble. I used a drill to put the holes in the fabric to attach to the pot sides, the felt is very tough.

This was a Moro blood orange from Home Depot. Root system is kind of goofy looking but hopefully it will fill out. The few circling roots I unwrapped and directed into the container air holes








I made this new pot about 2" bigger than the old one but I left enough material overlapping to expand it once more.

Interesting, I have never attached the the base fabric to a container. I have always just set the Root Maker Container on top of the fabric without any connection between the two. Your idea is very interesting. Good luck to you and your tree. - Millet

I recently repotted some trees I grew from seeds from a 1 gallon to a 3 gallon container. I didn't have enough pots when seeds sprouted so I put 2 plants in regular pots. The roots in the regular pots were really long, packed hard and had circled around the pot. The root ball in the ARPCs were really thick and loose without any roots even remotely circling..

To hold both trees in your hands really puts it into perspective how well they work.