VIDEO SEGMENT #7
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SUMMARY: The wire cutters are used to cut the wires that secure the tree into the container. _Time lapse, no audio.
VIDEO SEGMENT #8
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SUMMARY: Using the repotting hook, the tree is cut free of the growing box. _The roots will actually grow between and in some cases into the wood if the box is very old.
This growing box will be reused as it is made of redwood and still in good condition after 2 years. _I sometimes wonder about the effect of tannins in the redwood on the trees, but so far I haven't had problems, except with a stewartia, but that may not be the cause.
The tree is tilted up on all four sides to pull it completely free of the container and anchor wires.
VIDEO SEGMENT #9
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SUMMARY: The tree is removed from the growing box. _Time Lapse, no audio.
VIDEO SEGMENT #10
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SUMMARY: The root hook is used to comb out the roots. _Some drainage mesh is removed from the root ball and pieces of anchor wire are rooted out. _No cutting takes place until I'm satisfied all the wire and screen has been removed.
The tree is leaned over and access to the root base is available. _Note that having a narrow table is very useful as the tree can rest over the table's edge with canopy on one side and root ball on the other. _A rubber pad is used to protect the trunk of the tree.
VIDEO SEGMENT #11
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SUMMARY: Roots are pruned with shears. _With the tree now on its side we have unrestricted access to the root ball. _First the shears are used to define the perimeter of the root ball. _Then the repotting sickle (small sod scythe) is used to rapidly cut away fine roots and soil. This is a time lapse, so the speed is about 10:1, but doesn't the sickle make quick work of the roots? I used to spend probably four times as long with shears doing the same job. If you have fine roots, as with most bonsai, the sickle is a quick way to go and it saves strain on your hands.
When the tree is returned to upright we have a nice compact root ball. _This would appropriate for a coniferous tree, but we have a deciduous tree here and in the interest of improving the rootage, we will undercut the rootball more so that it can sit lower in the growing container.
VIDEO SEGMENT #12
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SUMMARY: Downward growing roots are pruned and the rootball is shaped to make it thin as practical. _ _The root sickle is used to flatten the root ball. _ The root hook is used to expose large woody roots that point directly downward or emerge at an angle from beneath the tree, _and the large root pruners are used to cut them out.
The white areas that are appearing underneath the tree show the regions where woody roots were removed.
Finally the stubs of root grafts made two seasons ago are removed with the root cutter.