Thread: Nursery hemlock
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Old 31-Dec-2007   #3
ChicagoBlues
bonsaiTALK Craftsman
 
Join Date: Mar-2006
Location: Plainfield
Country: USA
Posts: 53
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vance Wood
I would not be in such a big hurry to do something with this tree other than keep it alive. I know that is probably not what you want to hear but Hemlocks are slow to respond to bonsai culture unless they are strong and vigorous, something this tree does not appear to be. They are not real good about back budding, something this tree needs. Strengthening it would go a long way in giving it a chance to do just that.

If you plan on doing something any time in the next three years it would seem that a Literati would be the best choice. I suspect you are thinking about doing a cascade because the trunk is so easily bent into that shape but in my opinion this would be a mistake.

Thanks for the advice... the tree does appear weak although the pruning was done late fall / early winter. In terms of design, I was thinking of a twin trunk (definitely not cascade), although literati is possible too.

Notice that the tree is still in burlap, so it will require repotting this coming spring. I probably won't root-prune much, and provide a much healthier free draining soil with some organic stuff. That should strengthen the tree in addition to feeding in the growing period.
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