I don't think a large potted tree would necessarily do better than a bare root tree. You may get figs quicker from the larger tree, but the bare root tree may grow faster and become the better tree of the two.

Thanks. I've found for all my other fruit types, bare rooted is better. I've just never been completely sure with figs; everyone repots them all the time; once in a while i see a post where potted is better; & figs seem indestructable

Ok, so I ordered a Celeste from a nursery that's always shipped me bare root trees. But this time they sent me the fig grown in a quart container. Terribly root bound. I dd my best to unravel the roots, but they were a solid mass. Will it be ok, or should I start over with a David Wilson bare root Celeste?

Hopefully it will be ok since it is a young tree.

It sounds to me like you basically bare rooted it yourself. Figs grow feet like mad, don't worry about it.

I have had large potted trees runt out on me more than a few times. If they are potted bareroot them yourself. Make sure the root system is not wrapped in a tight ball in the center of the root ball. In general I prefer bareroot or a small tree thats easy for me to bareroot myslef.

Thanks for the info. I think I'll just get a new Celeste. The rootbound one might be ok, but I'd rather not find out in a couple years that there's a problem.

I personally prefer potted trees it is less root shocked, Although I used both. The potted one produces faster than the barefeet. Both later grew ok but in my case I don't allow my trees to grow over 7-8 feet. I don't want to hang on ladders to collect few figs. Ladders accidents is a concern.
Abe

If the root ball is little, then take a sharp box cutter and score the root ball vertically to open those roots to be able to grow outward instead of curling round and round. It's worked very well for me. Don't know how that would work on a large root ball.

noss