Can Large Conifers Be Kept in Pots?

pennypincher3562

Hi

I want to block the view of a neighbour's garden (as it's a dump.) Unfortunately, it is on a concrete terrace, that is prone to very high gusts of wind.

The solution I had in mind was 4 conifer trees in very large pots - they would have to be around 5 ft 8 in height.

To stop them being blown over by the very high winds, I planned to somehow strap them to a metal fence that is around 5 foot in height.

Does the above plan sound realistic? Could conifers even survive in large pots on a concrete surface?

If they were strapped to fence, and then hit by a 75 mph gust of wind, would they just 'self destruct'?

Thanks
PennyPincher3562

peter_the_piper

Not sure that the wind is the worst problem, watering is likely to be. They will need careful watching as they do not show stress from thirst for some weeks and its likely they will be dead before they show it. What variety were you considering? If you want a slow growing variety then the plant you need will have to be mature and very costly. If you choose a leylandii type then you will have to use care to keep it down to a size you want.

pennypincher3562

peter_the_piper wrote: »

What variety were you considering? If you want a slow growing variety then the plant you need will have to be mature and very costly. If you choose a leylandii type then you will have to use care to keep it down to a size you want.

At present, no idea what type I was considering. At this stage I am wondering if it's even feasible to put conifers in pots on a concrete base. It sounds like they would struggle to survive.

Mojisola

Do you particularly want conifers?

REEN

I've blocked the view of next door's dump with trellis and climbers. It doesn't completely block it out but it distracts the eye and lets the wind through. Might this work in your situation?

Conifers will survive in big pots with regular watering, we had a Christmas tree in a pot for about 12 years.

pennypincher3562

I reply to Mojisola. It doesn't have to be conifers, but I have chosen them due to their height and hardiness (poor weather conditions.) In response to Reen, my ex neigbour has put up trellis, and they are being blow to pieces by the wind.

I've just noticed that the neighbour across from me has conifers in large pots (to block view), and they are on a pebbled surface. I'd imagine pebbled is slightly better than concrete however.

Thanks
PennyPincher3562

zaax

How about Bamboos

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=79

pennypincher3562

Thanks Zaax. I think I'd need quite a lot of bamboos to cover the space. I am still keen on conifers if possible.

Cheers
PennyPincher3562

squeakerton

We have 2 largish conifers in big pots and they've been fine for over 2 years (still growing). They're now about 6 ft high. Never had to water them (we're N of Aberdeen so not particularly wet climate - just cold !)

pennypincher3562

squeakerton wrote: »

We have 2 largish conifers in big pots and they've been fine for over 2 years (still growing). They're now about 6 ft high. Never had to water them (we're N of Aberdeen so not particularly wet climate - just cold !)

Thanks Squeakerton. What sort of surface do you have them on? I will have them on solid concrete. I don't know much about plants, but I was thinking that having them on concrete could cause watering issues?

sheramber

You could set the pots up on bricks to allow for drainage