u/Effective-Fennel-430

I’m in Zone 6b and looking at a gorgeous 2.5" caliper Red Haven peach tree. The catch? My only sun is directly over a gas line buried 2' deep.

The Plan: A 3.5' x 3.5' x 2' high bottomless raised bed.

The goal is to keep the majority of the root system above the utility line while letting the open bottom provide ground-source warmth to prevent the roots from freezing. I also plan to surround the bed with rocks for extra thermal mass.

A few questions:

Root Protection: Since peaches are shallow-rooted, will a 2' buffer keep the gas line safe, or will they dive deep regardless?

Overwintering: Does an open-bottom bed provide enough "ground warmth" to survive a New England winter, or is the elevated portion too exposed?

Sizing: Is a 3.5' square bed enough volume for a mature 2.5" caliper tree, or will it quickly become root-bound/unstable?

I’ve found myself in a bit of a "fruit tree fever" situation. I spotted a gorgeous, mature Red Haven peach tree (B&B size) at a local nursery. The owner is a friend and is offering it to me at a massive discount, and as a sucker for fruit trees, I’m find it very hard to walk away.

The Problem: Suburban living.

Spot A: Perfect sun, but utilities are running right underneath.

Spot B: Plenty of space, but it's a total shade-fest.

The "Solution": I’m considering growing this beauty in a massive container in the sunny spot. I know it’s not the "perfect" setup for a mature tree, but I’m wondering if this is a recipe for success or a slow-motion disaster.

A few questions for the experts:

Is this even viable? Can a mature B&B peach tree transition to a container and actually thrive/produce, or am I just dreaming?

Minimum Container Size: What is the absolute bare minimum for a tree this size? I’d love a 200-gallon pot, but the shipping costs are eye-watering. Would a 45-gallon pot be a death sentence, or could I make it work with aggressive pruning and root management?

New England Sources: Does anyone know of outlets or supply shops in the New England area where I could pick up oversized tree pots (100gal+) in person to avoid those shipping fees?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has tried "potting up" a larger specimen. Am I overreaching, or is there a way to make this peach dream a reality?

Thanks in advance!