Will_Heath

For the last three years I have used a slight variation of Vance's method with excellent results. With fresh nursery material that is root bound, the very first thing I do is to saw the root ball in two, depending on the species, I will take from 30% to 50% off. Then I rake out the roots, on some species, just the outer edges, and pot in a screen sided pot.

I recently did this on a root bound Mugho. I removed 50% of the roots mass with a saw, raked out just the edges and re potted in a pond basket all in early July. The tree looks as though nothing was done to it, not so much as a sagging needle. The trees I have done this with in previous years are also healthy, back budding, and thriving.

This techniques makes quick work of a tough job and has caused no ill effects for me. As a person who has seen Vance's collection of bonsai first hand, I can attest to the extreme health and vigor of his trees also. Although I must have looked pretty silly just standing there with my mouth hanging open, notknowing which bonsai to look at first, they were all so beautiful and healthy.

Vance is a bonsaist who has many, not just two or three mind you, but many quality award winning bonsai that would grace any show. I personally listen when he gives advice, even though I was also one who scoffed at mid summer re-potting of mughos and other pines. Now that I have put my preconceptions aside and actually tried it, I wouldn't treat mine any other way.

Thanks again Vance for sharing your knowledge, it was informative, well wrote and very accurate, thank you.


Will Heath

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