my best advice is to not get one that big .... one inch max ..

in 5 years.. with less transplant shock.. the smaller will outgrow the larger ... in my experience ...

and i would probably lean towards ball and burlap.. IN THE PROPER PLANTING SEASON ... which for you is 'none' .. since you dont tell us where you are ...

though a tree could be chosen now and tagged for later sale .. it is best to transplant when it is leaf-less ... or dormant ...

ken

Ken,

I live in Northern Kentucky.

For a smaller tree like 1-1.5" caliper I'd prefer a container IF if was properly repotted as it grew. Otherwise you have a tangled mess that just drives me nuts.

If the plant looks pot bound, opt for b&b, just identify the root flare prior to purchase (if you can). Otherwise its a necessitiy to identify the flare prior to planting.

I think 2" caliper is fine. If you can watch it being dug (as opposed to consuming a product that was sitting around for 4 months), I'd go B&B, keeping in mind they are planted differently than containers.

Brandon has a link to proper planting techniques seemingly every other thread on this board. Use that, or insist that the nursery "professionals" use it & don't sign for it until it is planted properly.

Dan

"...seemingly every other thread on this board..."

LOL, I'm trying to post it at least half as much as DD#1 gets mentioned. It's like a contest. (-;

Here it is again....

Here is a link that might be useful: Planting a Tree or Shrub