While maintenance work like minor cutback or wiring can make a tree shine, it’s the larger cuts that really speed along development. Of course, we don’t always enter workshops expecting to make these big cuts. Such was the case for a tree that showed up to last weekend’s Bay Island Bonsai workshop. After selecting a new front and repotting the pine below, it became clear to the tree’s owner that the first branch on the left was too low and too heavy.
Black pine
The longer one spends developing a branch, the harder it can be to remove it as the effort required to re-grow it is not lost on us. As these and other thoughts passed through Eric’s mind, the cutters came out and the branch came off.
Making the cut
That was easy
Branch removed
Lightening up the first branch made a great difference that will really show the next time the tree is wired and decandled. And I don’t expect this will be far off as the tree is healthy. Here are some shots from the repotting.
New roots growing in December
Where do they end?
After removing the extraneous roots
It took that much work just to get to the soil from which the roots emerged – a super sign of a happy tree.
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Daniel Dolan says
Jonas:
What is the estimated time since last repotting?
Best regards,
Daniel Dolan
Chicago
Merilee says
How very interesting to see what the roots look like! I’m inspired to try bonsai..
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Daniel – I don’t know, but it looks like at least two years.
Adam Lyons says
Reblogged this on Lyons Bonsai.
Gerald says
Do you recommend repotting in December?
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Gerald – I most recommend late winter/early spring for repotting, but as winter is mild where I live, I find I can repot through most of winter. I’m more likely to repot conifers, and especially pines, at this time of year because the roots are active. I try to repot deciduous trees right as the roots become active, usually late January into March, depending on the variety.
marcus watts says
strange bit to cut off – now bottom left foliage and bottom right are totally level with each other….i was sure it was the top coming off, that is the bit making the tree look a bit odd . Great root growth.
Janet Nelson says
Looks better now, whew!