Should I trim the roots of my tree?
- Thread starter jreo
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Deep Sea Diver
Imperial Masterpiece
Greetings and welcome aboard Bonsai Nut!
Timing is off to be pruning tree roots or repotting.
Might wait until the coldest part of the year is done. Perhaps in ‘27.
Enjoy your tree until then!
Cheers
DSD sends
Timing is off to be pruning tree roots or repotting.
Might wait until the coldest part of the year is done. Perhaps in ‘27.
Enjoy your tree until then!
Cheers
DSD sends
leatherback
The Treedeemer
Where in the world are you? If you update your profile to include your location and USDA climate zone, it helps gauge the right answer. From the looks of the plant, it looks like you are in summer and then repotting would not make a lot of sense.
Next to this, it seems like you have a very young plant, and one may wonder: What are you trying to do with repotting?
Long term, what is your vision for this tree?
I do not see a reason for repotting, not for pruning roots nor foliage right now.
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
Once again, to give you good help we need to know what part of the world. Down here it's a great time to be repotting but northern hemisphere is Summer so maybe not as good.
Having said all that, the seedling is very young and that can make a big difference. I repot first year seedlings and rooted cuttings whenever they need it and that's often mid Summer. From the roots, it looks like this one was started in a very small pot so I can understand why you're anxious to repot now. I would also repot from a small pot at this stage too.
The roots I can see all look perfectly normal for a seedling. At this first repot I usually cut the thicker 'taproot' to make the seedling rely more on the lateral roots which will eventually become the 'nebari' on your bonsai. Young seedlings seem to cope with the loss of more than 1/2 the roots without problems. Snip the main down root just below a cluster of side roots then when you put it into the next pot, spread out those lateral roots horizontally in the new pot and cover them with more potting mix.
Good luck with your little sequoia.
Having said all that, the seedling is very young and that can make a big difference. I repot first year seedlings and rooted cuttings whenever they need it and that's often mid Summer. From the roots, it looks like this one was started in a very small pot so I can understand why you're anxious to repot now. I would also repot from a small pot at this stage too.
Not clear what is meant by really thick roots. Is this referring to the main root in the middle because all the other roots look thin?
The roots I can see all look perfectly normal for a seedling. At this first repot I usually cut the thicker 'taproot' to make the seedling rely more on the lateral roots which will eventually become the 'nebari' on your bonsai. Young seedlings seem to cope with the loss of more than 1/2 the roots without problems. Snip the main down root just below a cluster of side roots then when you put it into the next pot, spread out those lateral roots horizontally in the new pot and cover them with more potting mix.
Good luck with your little sequoia.
Attmos
Chumono
Maybe we can ask @Bonsai Nut to make a welcome screen informing newbies of the things they should do to really take full advantage of the site. Of course, at this point I'm guessing it's been suggested. Oh well.
WNC Bonsai
Masterpiece
Given that he is in zone 10a that means in the US he is in southern Florida, the southernmost tip of Texas, or the southern area along the California/Arizona border. None would be good places or time to be repotting and root pruning a young tree like this.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
Yet in South America, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand it could be right on the mark.
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
I'm currently flat our digging trees from the grow beds and hacking roots. Also starting on repotting the deciduous bonsai. Prime time for repotting in my backyard.
All of which goes to show how important location is for bonsai.
All of which goes to show how important location is for bonsai.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
So if I want to convince you to have me over for a bit one year to help out.. This time of the year would be a great time?
Till when does your peak work season run?
Shibui
Imperial Masterpiece
Peak season seems to run from January through to December most years.
June, July and August is when I dig and prune the field grown stock. I regularly get volunteers wanting to assist the digging season so they can learn what's involved.
June, July and August are also peak time for demonstrations and workshops with bonsai clubs. This year I've travelled to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Another one for a smaller club in Bathurst in a couple of weeks. Negotiations already started for next Winter club visits: possible Brisbane, Newcastle and Adelaide so far.
If you do happen to find yourself down this way again you would be welcome to drop in and maybe stay.
leatherback
The Treedeemer
If ever my Australia fever hits me, and I cannot convince my wife to go for a short trip, I will give you a buzz. Sounds like yearround fun to be had. Would go see my relatives in Melbourne, rent a small camper and drop in for a few days.
JimmySmart
Seedling
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Hopefully you do make it to Adelaide. It would be great to meet you in person (I’ve had a few ‘shipments’ of trees so far. I’d also love to make it to Yackendadah one day to some and see the nursery and help dig up some trees for a couple of days. Just need a good excuse with the wife
