Not New But Not Old, Question

Bonsai_Ray

Ok Im a little skeptical about root pruning, I just aquired a few potential new specimens and am anxious to start training. Should I start by root pruning them or wait for the appropriate time according to the plants specs?...Boxwood Micro...Pinus Mugo, and a flowering quince, They are medium sized to small and I would like to keep the mugo relatively small because it pretty nice the way it is. Any suggestions? I would like to start training to a possible smaller sized container but I'm very well...scared to cut into them they look good now but they have alot of potential, I will post some pics later after a few responses come in.
Thanks Guys
Ray
aka bonsailaveau on gardenweb

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midwestbonsai

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Camay123

You should wait appropriate timing. If tree's are vigorous, and need root triming, you should do it in the appropriate time. A root pruning before bud break will reduce the amount of food the roots can provide to the new buds, resulting in smaller leaves and shorter internodes.

For more information on this, Brent Waltson has written a good article wich can be found here : http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/leafsize.htm

Hope this help,
Patrick

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Bonsai_Ray

This is the mugo pine I would like ta have some suggetions on





I will post a better one of the Box in a little while I just wanted to show the the nice roots



This is the small mugo I would like to keep small

Thanks for looking and I hope to hear from you guys soon

Bonsai_Ray

As promised here is the full size of the box




And The Quince

Aaron_K

Hi Ray,

Its always advisable, if not essential, to wait until the correct time of year before performing any root pruning. Pruning out of season, can shock, weaken and even kill a tree. With tropical species (ficus, serissa, etc), kept indoors in a warm well lit environment, you can pretty much re-pot and root prune at any time of year.

Vance Wood has written some very good articles on Mugo Pines, and if memory serves me correct, has had much improved survival rates root pruning them in the summer months - considered somewhat out of season generally. I can't find the thread despite searching. Perhaps drop Vance a PM and he can direct you to the relevant info and verify the above. Vance is definitely the man for Mugos.

All the best,

Aaron

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Vance Wood

At the top of any page you will find on the right side a search function. Activate the search and enter Mugo Pine and click on search. It will take you to everything we have discussed concerning Mugos for quite some time. Included you will find the two articles I have written about root pruning in general and Mugo Pine in particular.

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Bonsai_Ray

Thanks Guys,
Vance...Wow nice articles, I definetly learned alot from them, Question though about the sieve type planters you talked about where can I get these? or better yaet do you have any pictures of these in use? Just curious about that in particular.
Thanks
Ray