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Lui

Hi Charles, got all confused when I started to see all the red circles there. Try looking or taking the picture from above and see which one is the one you want to take out or if you really want to take one out. ( I know the rule about odd numbers) Even better let them grow their tops and then see which one is the least harmonious.
Now I dont see why you cant start cleaning the root system already you can actually get a head start on next year you probably know these babies love to be in shallow pots.
Also from the picture it seems the trunk chops are rather square
it may save you some time and effort if you start the tapering process now.
Lui

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dbz12fan

Thanks lui. I may repot it, I don't like to be too hasty on trees I spend more than a couple bucks on. Do you think I could chop it down to a really shallow pot in one chop right now? I know the salicifolia root growth is slowing now.

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"Success demands understanding"-Andy Rutledge

Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

Lui

Charles I have worked on these trese as late as October with no problems. I dont know how far up from me you are but these guys are tough. As for their roots I wouldnt be afraid I have used machetes and sawzalls to cut them down to size if youre worried do half now. Remember that these roots fuse together rather quick so the faster you fix them the better.
Lui

dbz12fan

I am up in Vero Beach. I will repot it sometime this week.

Thanks Lui. I believe you said you sell your trees. Do you own a shop? I'd love to visit next time I'm down in miami area.

__________________
"Success demands understanding"-Andy Rutledge

Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

Lui

Yes I do will send you some info offline
Lui

RonMartin(deceased)

Well it is time to scare you a little bit.

In your climate you can whack the heck out of those roots. (can't say hell, this after a family forum)

There are three Jim's in your area. All well known and respected bonsai artists. One of those Jim's is in fact your instructor.
Without mentioning any last names here is what they would do (AND IT WOULD WORK)

Jim #1
Grab a chain saw and simply cut the roots to the proper depth. A straight cut right across the root ball.
Then plant the thing in a well draining soil. His success rate would be 100%

Jim #2

Would get the meat cleaver he keeps in that trailer of his and in a couple of whacks would reduce the root ball to where he wanted it. Then plant it in well draining soil. Again the success rate would be 100 %

Jim #3

Not too sure about Jim but I think that he would borrow Jim #2's meat cleaver and do just about the same thing the other Jim's did. )

Me I am afraid of power tools and knives. I would use a bow saw. I am not as talented as they are. My success rate would only be around 99%

Now for the test. Can you put a last name to those three Jim's )
Not that it matters much. They are after all the best ficus guys in the world. You are a lucky person. You live close to all three of them.

dbz12fan

1. Jim moody
2. Could be jim smith or jim v. If you are talking about jim v's mobile home getting the meat clever then it is him. But I doubt it since Jim V borrows from Jim S. So # 2 is jim smith.
3. Jim Vanlandingham

I will probably bring it to jims place next wednesday, the tree is quite heavy so I don't want to move it too much. Luckily after root prune it will be light.

Am I right about the jims?

__________________
"Success demands understanding"-Andy Rutledge

Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

RonMartin(deceased)

You nailed it.
I'm proud of you. I'll give you one, no two stars, for that,

dbz12fan

It is about time to select the main branches. I will post an update when I decide when to do it.

Here it is now-

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__________________
"Success demands understanding"-Andy Rutledge

Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl