Cajun,

In an area with mild winter, fall pruning can be very effective. If your soil stays above around 40F for a while your roots should be making some growth. This will pay off in the spring.

Also use the online resources to learn about best practices for root pruning and soil mixes.

Post a pic of ytour tree?

I've just taught myself how to post a picture. Hopefully, this will work.{{gwi:1049264}}

Great looking plant. Is that a recent photo? Looks like summer there.

Thanks for the compliment and yes, that picture was taken on Sunday, the day I posted it. Is it summer--my goodness summer never seems to end in this neck of the woods. I recently ordered a few small maples and am watching them, but they aren't doing as well as the large Crimson Queen. Of course we had some very windy days (Gustav and Ike blew through here recently) and made a horrible mess with blown down limbs, etc. I am so in love with these plants and know that I'm pushing my luck and pocket trying to have them in this climate.