Repotting Sumo Silverberry

mike_p

Following is a series of pix showing the repotting of a heavy bonsai using rigging to do the heavy work.
The first image is the Silverberry rigged and ready to hoist. The second image is a detail of the rope hitches around the trunk. A half-hitch at the top and a full-hitch lower down. Image three is the mini-hoist I use.
Image four shows the tree lifted from the pot and the roots exposed. The rubber mallet is used to tap on the pot rim to loosen it from the roots.
Image five shows root mass cut away using the Makita Recipro-saw with a heavy duty blade. Image six is the roots in a tub for a soak with some Miracle-gro in the water.
Image seven shows the tree with the roots cut and ready to put in the pot
Image 8 is the finished product for today.

Attached Images

	sumo_1.jpg (51.4 KB, 74 views)
	sumo_2.jpg (60.4 KB, 50 views)
	sumo_3.jpg (44.1 KB, 44 views)
	sumo_4.jpg (49.0 KB, 52 views)
	sumo_5.jpg (45.3 KB, 52 views)
	sumo_6.jpg (52.8 KB, 52 views)

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Nature is perfect.
Man's attempts to improve nature,
Are imperfect.
MP@BBB Studio

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mike_p

Below are images seven and eight referred to in the last post.

Mike

Attached Images

	sumo_7.jpg (48.3 KB, 48 views)
	sumo_8.jpg (45.0 KB, 81 views)

__________________
Nature is perfect.
Man's attempts to improve nature,
Are imperfect.
MP@BBB Studio

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way
Gautama Buddha

rschlafer

That is an awesome tree!!!

__________________
- Todd

coloradobonsai.com
Specializing in Yamadori Bonsai/Pre Bonsai.

Sterling

Do you soak all of your trees in miracle grow when you repot? Is this the same idea as soaking collected trees in vitamin B water before they are repotted?

Rock Chester

Most Impressive. Are those two little rabbits kissing and or kung fu fighting at the foot of the sumo?

mike_p

Sterling, a soak in water with Miracle-Gro, or some other water soluable fertilizer is standard procedure for me, and has been for many years. I like to use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content such as 10-20-10, as this is good for root developmemt
Concerng vitamin B, it's a waste of time. B has been shown to have little benefit to plants. A good balanced fertilizer with adequate trace elements is the way to go, for either repotting or first time potting using either collected or nursery stock.
Another reason for soaking is to be sure the tree is well hydrated, as this will help alleviate the shock of transplanting, and help to keep the tree healthy until the roots take hold.

Mike

__________________
Nature is perfect.
Man's attempts to improve nature,
Are imperfect.
MP@BBB Studio

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way
Gautama Buddha

mike_p

Rock, it is whatever your imagination tells you it is. You wouldn't believe how much fun I've had with all the comments people have made about the carving on the trunk. I should have saved them all.

Mike

__________________
Nature is perfect.
Man's attempts to improve nature,
Are imperfect.
MP@BBB Studio

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way
Gautama Buddha