rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Many beginners ask if they can repot out of season. This post will explain. The tree here is a big developed Chinese elm that started life as an almost mallsai but was converted to a better looking structure.
The owner of the tree hadn’t repotted it in years and the tree was declining with yellowing leaves and dropping foliage. My long time friends and owners of Gardens Unlimited were asked to step in
Although it is well past traditional repotting season June (in this area)can present an alternative backup repotting season for elms and Japanese maples. Their leaves have hardened off and trees are growing at their strongest. You can’t be as aggressive with root reduction but you can get significant reduction especially with elms
First step is to un pot the tree. Second is to examine the roots. With this tree there were significant “horse collar” roots at the bottom of the pot. Typical of trees that haven’t been repotted in a long time.
Those were removed. Then a garden hose was used to gradually flush soil out from the edges of the root mass. Gently done to avoid damaging things. Exposed roots were gently trimmed back selectively by 1/4 inch or so.
The tree was placed in a larger pot backfilled with bonsai soil.
Importantly the tree will be kept in a shaded vented greenhouse for. Few weeks until new leaf bud break on the branches. This is an important step. If you don’t have a greenhouse find a relatively sheltered spot out of direct afternoon sun and wind. Make sure soil stays mostly moist. Be patient
The owner of the tree hadn’t repotted it in years and the tree was declining with yellowing leaves and dropping foliage. My long time friends and owners of Gardens Unlimited were asked to step in
Although it is well past traditional repotting season June (in this area)can present an alternative backup repotting season for elms and Japanese maples. Their leaves have hardened off and trees are growing at their strongest. You can’t be as aggressive with root reduction but you can get significant reduction especially with elms
First step is to un pot the tree. Second is to examine the roots. With this tree there were significant “horse collar” roots at the bottom of the pot. Typical of trees that haven’t been repotted in a long time.
Those were removed. Then a garden hose was used to gradually flush soil out from the edges of the root mass. Gently done to avoid damaging things. Exposed roots were gently trimmed back selectively by 1/4 inch or so.
The tree was placed in a larger pot backfilled with bonsai soil.
Importantly the tree will be kept in a shaded vented greenhouse for. Few weeks until new leaf bud break on the branches. This is an important step. If you don’t have a greenhouse find a relatively sheltered spot out of direct afternoon sun and wind. Make sure soil stays mostly moist. Be patient
