One of my favorite techniques for developing exposed root pines is bending the roots. To recap some of this work done last year, here are before and after photos on a 13 year-old pine.
Before bending the roots
After bending the roots and wiring primary branches
Now that the basic form of the tree is set, the fun work can begin – branch refinement. I find this stage of development fun because pines can develop quickly. Here’s the same tree one year later.
14 year-old exposed root pine
I like the soft feeling of the unwired foliage that developed after decandling. Some wiring, however, is needed as the apex points one way, the main branch points another way, and both sides stick out too far in relation to the size of the trunk.
Before wiring, I thinned the needles.
After removing extra needles
And here’s the tree after wiring.
After wiring
The tree is far more compact now, and after another year of decandling, I can start thinking about what kind of pot makes the most sense for the tree.
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Verb Maddox says
Excellent pine work.
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks, Vern!
carol ebreo says
Would like to see how you first developed the roots and how long it took and what kind of pot? Also what will you do with the stump at the end ???
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Carol – following these articles gives an idea about how these are created and developed: https://bonsaitonight.com/tag/exposed-root
Jeremiah Lee says
Looking good!!!
Dane says
Love the rotation of the front and the increased flare of the roots in the last photo. 14 years well spent.
Jonas Dupuich says
Thanks, Dane!
Robert Gardner says
what type of pot did you grow the roots in. I have several 8 inch deep plastic pots about 4 inches square. approximately how many years does it take to development long roots like you have. I have several plack pines to try with along with a few ponderosa seedlings that are 4 years old and about 5 inches tall.
any info that you can give will help.
thanks bob g.
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Bob – thanks for the note. The tree started in a tall homemade container maybe 14″-16″ deep, 3″-5″ across near the top and likely wider below (possibly in a colander). It’s almost 14 years old and the roots have been exposed for at least 3-4 years.