bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post

I left this tree in traction (see previous pics) from about August 'til early March. I had been worried that the coach wrap would pull the flaky and furrowed bark off this trunk but I was fortunate to only lose one flake, though I used EXTREME caution when unwinding it.

The tree had begun to show signs of soil compaction (along with being in a mix that was much too dense), so this year I repotted it. Its in the same pot but in a MUCH improved mix (pine bark, turface, lava, pumice, and gravel/sand) which should really speed development.

I had to remove several large roots, and some roots that looked like they were dead (probably due to the poor soil conditions alluded to earlier). I opted not to wire the tree in by its roots, but rather to anchor it from the top, ...as you'll notice along with the bold use of garden hose to protect the trunk.

I still need a little extra movement in the lower portion of the trunk, but there is more there than can be seen in these photos. This year, the tree will mainly rest. I'm going to position it in full sun, water often, and fertilize heavily.