How to Root Trim Bonsai Trees Before Cutting
Bonsai trees require continual upkeep in order to maintain their size. This includes periodic pruning. Bonsai trees are pruned both in the canopy and at the root level. Pruning bonsai roots helps to keep the tree above the soil from developing rapidly and helps the bonsai to remain healthy. A properly maintained bonsai may live for centuries longer than the same tree species left to its own devices in the wild. You should root prune bonsais whenever you repot them. Smaller, fast-growing trees may need to be re-potted twice yearly. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Large tray
- Bypass pruners
- New bonsai tray
- Annealed copper wire
- Wire cutters
- Chopstick
Instructions
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1
Soak a bonsai container tray in water by submerging the tray in a larger tray filled with water. By soaking the container tray, you will help the roots to avoid sticking to it.
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2
Unfasten the wire that secures the bonsai roots to the tray by gently untwisting it. Lift the bonsai from its tray by grasping the trunk in one hand and pressing on the roots from the bottom through the hole in the tray where the wires are secured.
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3
Rinse the soil away from the roots of the tree. Gently comb out the roots of the tree.
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4
Cut back roots to the primary horizontal roots and main feeder roots with a pair of bypass pruners.
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5
Wire the plant by the roots into the new container and work soil into place around the pruned roots with a chopstick
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Tips & Warnings
Most bonsai respond well to root pruning in spring. Juniper bonsai should be pruned in fall.
Prune roots one week after you have pruned the canopy of your tree. Prepare the new bonsai container before pruning. Prune the roots very quickly and repot the plant so that the roots do not dry out.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
