Whats wrong with my Pinus thunbergii

landerloos

I bought this pine 2 years ago as bonsaistock, sundenly this fall its droping al the needles on the one side, they became yellow and dropt.
the remaining bare branches are dry and completely dead!

i attach some pictures

Attached Images

	not good.jpg (33.9 KB, 89 views)
	close.jpg (38.5 KB, 62 views)
	roots.jpg (35.1 KB, 76 views)

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bonsaikc

Well, I have to say that your roots look very healthy, what I can see of them. The question is, when did you last repot? It's possible that you have a root problem on that side of the tree. I would repot in spring and check them out.

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landerloos

I took the chanche and repotted it today, in a bigger container, I will keep it free from frost and well we see what happens, I hesrd from some of the european bonsaifolk that this kind of blackpine rarely survives longer periodes in europe, they drop one branch after the other and die!
The wright name is Pinus thunbergii "corticosa"

Regards
Peter

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Graydon

Hi Peter - nice little pine. It's a nishiki type pine for sure. The roots do look well from the bottom. There are many questions that should be asked before this can be diagnosed.

Is it kept in full sun?
When is it watered and what is the state of the soil prior to watering?
How well didi it drain before the repot?
How is it fed?

I have a bunch of nishiki type pines and I have never experienced die-back like you have shown. It's not a trait of the species at all. I would look at the list above and also consider that this tree is from costal Japan and is accustomed to mild winters and frequent rain showers.

On a side note I like the tree more now with the single trunk. I know that does not help but as far as design it's better.

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landerloos

Thanks for the reply,

yes watering is done if soil is dry, it did not drain to well roots only on one side of the tree, yeah I know its better with one trunk, but I wish it could heve been me thet pict the one to keep you know

Feeding with abraksas and kept in partial shade/sun

Kind regards
Peter

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Vonsgardens

Hi,
I guess I would be really concerned about what is below the trunk. Most likely compacted concrete like soil from the field. Reagrdless of the nice roots in the bottom of the pot, you need to get the soil changed in the root ball, start by cleaning out 1/2 of the old compacted soil in the early spring. Best of luck, John

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