Will_Heath

John,

You brought up an interesting point about defoliation when re-potting.

A tree tends to always strive for balance, it tries to keep the foliage balanced with the root mass and visa versa. When I pot trees and reduce the root mass I do not cut back the foliage, the theory being that the tree will respond by increasing root growth to match the foliage. Of course the tree could also drop foliage in order to balance itself, but I have found that they only do this if for some reason they can not produce the root growth. (lack of air, water, or food)

We as bonsaist take full advantage of this balance of trees by potting in small shallow containers, restricting the root growth and there by also restricting (due to the trees need for balance) the foliage growth as well.

I am fully aware that this goes against some teachings but I also know that it appears to work quite well.


Will