http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/..._retired/22806

David J. Bockman, Fairfax, VA (USDA Hardiness Zone 7)
Bunabayashi Bonsai On The World Wide Web: http://www.bunabayashi.com
email:


-----Original Message-----
From: Internet Bonsai Club ]On Behalf
Of Mike
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:46 AM
To:
Subject: [IBC] More questions.....This time about nebari


Ok so i have read many articles on bonsai. I know there is no
substitute for
experience but all information helps. Luckily i am blessed with a superb
memory. Anyway back to topic, i was wondering if anyone could
point me to a
good article on developing nebari please. I know what constitutes good
nebari now and i know how to develop it from seed and cuttings but i don't
know how to develop it on older plants.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Mark Zimmerman++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

Mike,

There have been quite a few articles on nebari development over the years in
Bonsai Today. They have ranged from improving a tree that is already
excellent to fixing one that has some nasty gaps. I have worked with a
range of nursery trees and developed good nebari in many since I feel it is
very important. From my perspective the key is getting comfortable working
on the roots so that you can correct some of the problems each time you
repot.

1. The first step is to get a flatter root pad in a wide flat pot -
depending upon the value of the tree, the species of the tree, the root
status, and your confidence this may take one to three repottings. I have
used a hatchet to cut away 75% of the root ball of an A. palmatum with a 3"
(75 mm) trunk and then root washed and pruned to get it into a 5" (125 mm)
deep box (the nebari stunk after this and will take several repottings see
http://iebs.8m.com/martydemo/maple/maple1.html). On the other hand, I
reduce most pines by less than 50% of the root ball each time.

2. Untangle to roots and get them oriented radially. Ideally, you root
wash to do this, but it is risky with pines and some other species. Even if
the roots are too heavy for a good nebari, if they are radial and not
circling you can then work them back. However, don't make them completely
radial since this looks un-natural.

3. Cut back the heavy roots more severely than the smaller roots. The goal
is to get them all be of about the same size. Just as branches will back
bud, so will roots some of the time. Nicking the roots and applying rooting
hormones can help with this - think of it as type of ground layering.

4. Graft in roots where nothing else works. A bit tricky and it is best to
use material that is very similar or even grown from cuttings of the tree.

Regards - Marty

-----Original Message-----
From: Internet Bonsai Club ] On Behalf Of
Mike
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 9:46 PM
To:
Subject: [IBC] More questions.....This time about nebari

Ok so i have read many articles on bonsai. I know there is no substitute for
experience but all information helps. Luckily i am blessed with a superb
memory. Anyway back to topic, i was wondering if anyone could point me to a
good article on developing nebari please. I know what constitutes good
nebari now and i know how to develop it from seed and cuttings but i don't
know how to develop it on older plants. Thanks in advance.

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Mark Zimmerman++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++