Tie me up

RonMartin(deceased)

Normally securing a bonsai into the pot is not really a hard thing to do. Just run wire through the drainage holes and around the root ball. But what to do when there are several trees in that one pot. How does one secure a bunch of trees through just two drainage holes. Not to mention all the hands needed to hold those trees in position while you are tying that wire.

Several years ago I started doing forest plantings.. Didn't take long for me to find out just how hard it could be to properly position and secure all those trees in a pot. I finally came upon a method that works like a charm. For me at least.

First one must determine the exact position in the pot that the primary tree will occupy. This is the largest and strongest tree and will act as an anchor for all the other trees. Secure this tree in the pot as you normally would. Make sure that it is firmly in place. It will be the only tree tied into the pot below ground level. The rest of the trees will be tied to the primary tree with, for the lack of a better word scaffolding.

The next tree is placed in position and a length of wire is twisted around the trunk This wire is then wrapped around the trunk of the primary tree. This should hold the second tree loosely in position. Put a little soil around the root to help secure the trees. The third tree in the pot is attached to the primary tree and the second tree as well. This will give you a triangular scaffolding that will hold those trees in a surprisingly sturdy manner.

Now one can put the rest of the trees in by tying them to one of these three trees. All one has to remember is to select the right tree to attach to. As you are putting trees in and tying them together remember that triangular scaffolding we started off with and expand on it. Just keep attaching triangles to it. By the time the last tree is put into the pot all trees are tied back to that primary tree that was securely attached to the pot. We now have a remarkably sturdy structure.

It also means that trees can be precisely set. Even the angle of the trunk can be locked in place. Depending on how many turns are put in that wire it will either pull or push on the tree.

Even after the composition is finished and the soil packed in place minor changes can be made. All one has to do to change a trunk angle is to either remove or increase the numbers of twists in the wire.

So now we have our masterpiece completed. Bet you thought I would forget how silly the forest would look on display with all that wire above ground. How will I hide it?

The simple answer is I wont ;o)

Before long all the trees roots will grow enough to fuse together underground locking all trees in the pot. Once that is done the scaffolding can be removed. They will stay in place all on their own.

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RedPine

Hi Ron,

I read this in a recent newsletter of yours, good stuff. I also want to hear some about the neriifolia forest you just put together in Texas, I believe Grampz is planning to treat us with that gem here shortly though.

By chance do you have a photo of your large and magical bald cypress forest in it's current summer glory?

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RonMartin(deceased)

Thanks.
I found out a while back that it is hard for me to do a demo for a club and also be in the audience to take some pictures. Guess I am slowing down with old age)
The forest I did for Grampz's club is far from done. Actually only started. Trunk positioning was just about all we had time for.
Grampz took a bunch of pictures maybe he will share them.
I am going to clean up that cypress forest a bit then I will take a photo or two to post.

RedPine

Thats the good stuff I like to hear, your a good man Mr. Martin.

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JavaScottC

Ron,
I read a good way to secure trees in a forest planting in Bonsai Today, issue 100, pg 48. Might be a little easier, as there is no wire damage to roots, and seems to secure the trees well. Looks good in the picture, anyways. When I replant my trident forest next year, I'm going to try to do it that way, though your method seems a viable option, also. Thanks for the food for thought.

Scott

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RonMartin(deceased)

I don't get Bonsai Today. Can you give a basic explination on how they do it.

JavaScottC

Sure. Basically you use flattened chopsticks (skinny) to pass over the roots as you place the trees. You secure the chopsticks on the sides of the pot, where the wire wont hit the roots. So essentially, the sticks are criss-crossed over the roots, and hold the trees in position under the soil level. The reason I am attracted is the sticks will hold water, and in my warmer climate, thats a boost for the roots. Just another method of the same thing you're doing, only under the soil.

Scott

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RonMartin(deceased)

Ah, seen that one before. I tried it but wasn't all that pleased with the procedure or the results I got. But then that is just me, you may find it the best way for you.

Repotter

Ron, thanks for that info, it makes so much sense. ( I wish I would have thought of that). I'm going to give it a try.

Hec

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