Toward the end of last winter I repotted a large Sierra juniper. Because it was planted at an angle, I used blocks to support the tree and keep if from tipping out of the pot. Now that the roots have grown in, it’s time to remove the supports.
Sierra juniper – 32″
Support blocks
After removing the blocks
I also removed the fence that held extra soil mounded above roots that were sticking up on the left side.
Fenced-in soil
After removing the extra soil
This exposed a few small roots so I covered them with white sphagnum moss.
Exposed roots
Roots covered with white sphagnum moss
These small roots aren’t important for the health of the tree but I’d like to keep them alive until I repot when I’ll have a better sense of what I can cut.
The next step will be to define the lifeline and clean up the deadwood. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy seeing the tree without the blocks.
Sierra juniper supporting itself
Related Post
Subscribe to Bonsai Tonight
New Posts Delivered Every Tuesday and Friday
AHMAD says
HI JONAS I HAVE ACCES TO CALIF. JUNIPERS WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COLLECT THEM AND THE BEST SOIL AFTER COLLECTING . AT THE SAME AREA WE HAVE MANZANITA TRESS AS WELL DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH MANZANITS. THANKS
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Ahmad! People collect junipers nearly year round, though the most popular times are fall and spring. Straight pumice is the most popular and effective soil mix I know of for recently collected trees.
Although I haven’t collected manzanita, I know many who have, but none (that I know of) who have proven techniques for keeping collected specimens alive for more than a few years. Please experiment and let us know what works best – they’re fantastic trees!