Shallow pots dry out very quickly and would be death to acers which dry out and they hate being dry. Nor is there much soil to hold nutrients for the trees. Constant root pruning and watering on a daily basis would be needed as well as shading during the hottest part of the day.
If you do decide to buy new pots for the acers, avoid those ones that get wider below the rim. It's impossible to get the plant out again for repotting when it's filled the pot with roots, unless you either cut the roots or smash the pot. And the tall narrow ones that seem to be fashionable at the moment aren't very good for shrubs either. Go for something that's about as deep as it is wide, and widest at the top.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
While glazed pots are usually the best solution, especially as they don't dry out so quickly, terracotta pots are often not too expensive, especially in DIY stores etc, and you can buy them in lots of sizes. You can paint them too to give them a colour co ordinated look, and varnish them for a bit of extra protection. The downside is that they often don't last well in cold areas where frosts/ice are common and long term, but as you'd be potting them on as they grow, it's less of a problem. I've got some decent ones that I've now had for about 9 or 10 years. They're ideal for that sort of plant, or any shrub - straight sided and hefty, although they do have a few cracks. The downside is the weight if you want to move them! For final sized ones, it can be worth investing in the really good quality ones, but at that point the glazed ones could be a better bet. It comes down to personal choice - and budget.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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The downside is that they often don't last well in cold areas where frosts/ice are common and long term, but as you'd be potting them on as they grow, it's less of a problem. I've got some decent ones that I've now had for about 9 or 10 years. They're ideal for that sort of plant, or any shrub - straight sided and hefty, although they do have a few cracks. The downside is the weight if you want to move them!
For final sized ones, it can be worth investing in the really good quality ones, but at that point the glazed ones could be a better bet.
It comes down to personal choice - and budget.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...