In an article, it says "Japanese Maples have a reputation for transplanting from a field nursery poorly, but root pruned plants and those from containers should do well." What is a field nursery? Does that mean it was grown in the ground as opposed to a pot or container?
They are dug mechanically and then "balled and burlapped". I think it may apply to more trees than just J-maples. It depends upon the quality of the job, if they get regular watering @ the nursery after being removed from the ground and if planted correctly. When they are dug some roots are removed and damaged whereas in a pot all roots are intact, but I think the most important point is that it still depends upon the quality of care of all stages in the pipeline from grower to you.
I have had good success moving and transplanting my own around my place.
