From nursery to training pot: Cut roots first?

superbum

I just bought this Sabina Juniper and am going to put it in a larger training pot so that we can get to know eachother a little better before we begin any styling. I wonder If I need to trim the roots before planting in my trainer pot? Any advice on the "first repot?" Also, if anyone wants, go ahead and give me styling ideas/advice...

Attached Images

	new tree! sm.jpg (72.0 KB, 112 views)
	new trunk1 sm.jpg (72.3 KB, 98 views)

Advertisement

Joanie

Hi Superbum! You posted two threads with the same topic, so I'm going to make one go into never-never land. It's best to choose one place to post that you think is most appropriate for it. You're asking for tips so we'll leave this thread here.....

You could probably trim some roots when repotting this juniper. My guess would be to remove some of the larger roots, to promote more small feeder roots. You could probably take away one third of the larger roots. Leave the small roots alone. However, let's see if there are more people who chime in tomorrow and give you more advice on your question. We Californians are still awake, but much of the world is sleeping now. (so we have to talk in whispers)

Joanie

__________________

superbum

Sorry bout that! I wasn't sure which one would get noticed more being new here...thanks for replying to my posts as well. It seems that it takes a while sometimes to get some replies. Just let me know if I'm posting too much...

I want to repot this tree soon to get it out of its nursery pot...It's hard to differentiate between winter and spring here in the Owen's Valley. Today was in the high sixties in the sun, but will be down to low twenties tonight. There are some buds beginging to swell on this tree though. I am nervous, but feel it needs to move to a new home!...

Hopefully it will let me mess up a bit and be the imperfect person that I am...

Bonsai Barry

I couldn't tell by looking at your photo, but most nursery stock is rootbound with the roots encricling the tree and container rather than growing in a more natural style. If it were mine, I'd comb out the roots at least on the outside areas. If it is significantly rootbound, then I'd do this over several years, meanwhile, pinching back the green growth and encouraging some back budding closer to the trunk.

__________________
Bonsai Barry

"Our talent lies in our choices."