Brent,

A very good point with regards to beginners and those with few trees - we
all need some bonsai that look good or are at least on a path we can see to
looking good. I guess we should encourage folks to inspect the roots,
remove those that circle, loosen the edges, and repot into a larger diameter
pot in the spring after they initially style the tree. They should also
plan to work on the roots periodically as they style the tree. Finally, I
would encourage beginners to buy a low cost maple or similar tree that will
take severe root pruning (do you have some suggestions?) and do a full root
pruning with washing to learn about the process. If the tree lives they
have learned and started a tree on the path with good roots. If it does
not, they are not out much money and have also learned what is too much.

Marty

Brent's response

Marty

Your point is well taken. This is also how I would proceed. However, for
beginners there are other considerations. The prime one is that they really
want to play with these plants, but they have almost no experience.
Throwing them directly into root pruning and repotting sets them up for
disappointment without letting them have any fun.

By allowing them to first style the plants, they get some instant
gratification without immediately killing the plants. Hopefully they will
get a better idea of how to root prune and repot within a year or two and
greatly increase their chance of success. After which, they can follow your
good advice.



Brent in Northern California
Evergreen Gardenworks USDA Zone 8 Sunset Zone 14

http://www.EvergreenGardenworks.com

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