Here’s a Cedar elm that needs repotting. It was collected two years ago, and has filled out wonderfully well. This growing season should see a finished bonsai of this specimen.
Repotting time is always the time to make corrections to the rootage of your bonsai. In the case of this tree, I have a large and ugly root on one side. Once I dig into the root mass, I’ll have an idea of how to make it better.
Starting the process of making this root better. If you don’t have a root splitter (a big and awesome tool, it makes short work of both roots and large branches), get yourself one. It’ll pay off sooner than you think.
With more work on this root, using a knob cutter relegated to below-ground carving, I’ve taken a lot of the “weight” off and this will make the root a lot less obtrusive.
You may be asking, Will this harm or kill the root? No, the root will not only continue to do its thing, it’ll heal over vigorously as this is a characteristic of Cedar elms.
Finally, the tree is back in its pot and ready for the 2020 season. Barring unforeseens, this tree will start leafing out within a week or so, stimulated by the root work.
I really like this elm bonsai. The design is unusual (something the tree did more or less on its own when it was rebudding), and elegant. The twigging will increase this year, and leaf size will reduce nicely.
I’d love to hear what you think of today’s work.
Really timely post Zach, I have a leg trident maple with several similar root issues I have been debating how to handle the effectively, your solution should work nicely. Thanks for the continued great posts, so helpful.
I’m glad to be of help, Kyle.
i’ve learned so much from our email correspondence and your posting on your website thank you.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Charles. I’m glad I’ve been of help to you.