JTGJr25

I didn't know you could do that, thanks.

I need to order some very small gauge as well I guess I'll get a larger size as well.

Tom

Prowler

There are all diff. methods to alter a tree, you can hang fishing weights to a branch, this will only pull a branch down, you can use guy ropes if attached to the pot, you can use a thing called a Jack, this is just a tool with two hooks you klick onto a thick branch then turn to bend a thick branch over time into the shape you need, sometimes wire cant do this.
If we are speaking about a young supple tree, thick wire should do the trick. Cheers.

__________________
Its hell out there, give them hell back.

Kansai

Dave--I went out myself a couple of days ago and gathered up three different JMs and threw in some Nanking cherry as well, just to confirm my own allegations.

DR

__________________
Bonsai is easy! All you have to do is stare at a little tree until drops of blood form on your forehead.--paraphrased from Gene Fowler

Dav4

Cool...looking forward to your results.

Dave

JTGJr25

I just re-potted the group today because the leaves started pushing out in some places. My hands are still frozen at the moment.

Do you think its ok to leave them out in my garage now until it gets warm or should I bring them inside at least at night? I had to root prune these pretty good to improve the nebari so I'm a little concerned about the cold harming them. Other than that I'm happy with the improvements in the roots and planting angle. I'll post a pic soon.

Tom

Dav4

Keep it from freezing temps...if it will stay above freezing in the garage, that's the place to move it during cold nights.

Dave

JTGJr25

Ok thanks Dave. To find out if it does freeze, I have put a water bottle in two places in my garage to be sure. if they're frozen in the morning well.....

Here's a pic of the new planting. I'm still not happy with the arrangement but that can still be worked on in the future. The new nebari is under the soil and will be exposed once the trees establish themselves. I'll spend this year working on the branching. If anyone had any suggestions as to styling go ahead!



Tom

Prowler

Tom, i aint to sure about this, but i think you may have been a bit premature in exposing the roots.
Remember they have been underground for quite a while, when exposed they need time to harden off, winter is not a good time for this.
You can do this at anytime of the year provided you dont let the sun burn them.
All you have to do is remove 1/2 inch of soil at a time this wont harm them, but lets the exposed roots harden off.
As far as i can see in your post i presume this is your winter? a repot okay, but not in winter for exposed roots.
They are all sleeping at the moment, so i would mulch them up as stated, once they start to grow then simply remove the mulch and they should be okay. Cheers.

__________________
Its hell out there, give them hell back.

JTGJr25

Prowler,

I'm confused at what your saying. I did the repot and root work and fixed up the nebari. I said in my post that the roots are not exposed and that they are buried in the soil until the trees are established in spring. Then I will brush away the top layer of soil to expose the roots. I am keeping it in my garage and I think it will be fine because I've done this with other trees, I just have to make sure it doesn't freeze.

Tom

Yes it is still winter but I had no choice, the trees are leafing out and they really needed to be repotted. It will be warmer here next week and I can get it outside a little bit but keep it inside at night. I know its a bit early but I just had to. Its in and out of the garage until spring hits

Prowler

Sorry i may have misread your post, but it is better to keep any new roots well below the surface in winter, that is the bigest killer on any tree.
They dont worry a hoot about their trunk etc. i just thought you had pulled every thing to the surface on your repot. Cheers.

__________________
Its hell out there, give them hell back.