chrle

Don't believe its an obsession with the tap root in general, as much as I do have an obsession with the art of bonsai, I have read the article and others posted and did not see this mention, in my teaching I was told as far back as 1970 to remove the "central tap root" it was an essensial method of "bonsai', not only does this strengthen the lateral roots, but halts rapid growth.

As far as the power washing goes, as stated, yes on a personal level I never had to power wash, and was amazed at this, when I repotted my 40 year old maple, the root system did not deem nessasary such extrememes, again it was a "bonsai", a 200 year old pine I've seen repotted also did not, again it was a bonsai. Care and proper maintance, which I thought, and personally will continue to do to achieve the bonsai art form I enjoy, will always included the removal of the "elusive" tap root