Separating a ground layer on a shohin olive

Last summer I started an ground layer on a small olive (see “Shohin olive ground layer” for details). The lower part of the trunk was unattractive so I figured layering the upper part of the trunk would be a great way to make the most of the material.

Olive with faulty lower trunk

The tree seemed to love the deep container it was in – so much so that it continued to grow through winter.

Vigorous new shoots

Because the new shoots were so strong, I took the tree out of the pot to see if is was OK to separate the layer.

New roots

From what I could tell, almost all of the visible roots emerged from above the layer – a good sign! To confirm this was the case, I poked around to determine where the roots came from.

Healthy new roots above – old roots below

Seeing so many new roots is a great sign that it’s OK to remove a layer. I used a reciprocating saw to make the cut.

After separating the layer

After removing the lower part of the trunk, I planted the upper portion in a training pot.

Repotting complete

The tree hasn’t skipped a beat since the layer was separated. I’ll let the tree grow freely for a few months so it can establish new roots and will start training the branches when the new shoots get a bit longer.

News & Updates

• End of season sale on medium size (1/4″ – 1/2″) Triple Line brand akadama. I’m currently putting together soil orders for next year’s repotting season. To make room for it, we’re making pallet orders (50 bags or more) of the medium Triple Line akadama available for 25% off wholesale rates (20/bag down from 27/bag). If you, your club, or your business – or maybe a group of friends – have need for medium size soil, now’s the time to stock up. Learn more about bulk orders.
• The Naka Memorial Exhibition is still accepting submissions for this year’s show. The event will be held on August 16-17th at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center’s George J. Doizaki Gallery in Los Angeles, California. If you have any questions or would like to submit a tree that you’d like to display at the event, check in with the organizers at the event website.
• I’d like to thank everyone who’s picked up a copy of my new book, The Essential Bonsai Book – the response has been overwhelming! As the question has come up a few times, if you’d like to sell the book or make it available to club members or workshop participants, you can reach out to the publisher directly for discounted copies.