Repotting and Root Pruning a Weeping Willow Bonsai, April 2016

[@joepuhel2428]

I never knew I was addicted to watching roots get combed until today lol

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Joe!

[@meadpom]

OK so .. Its not just me

[@seamuswarren]

Simplicity is divinity. 😊

[@TheNatrjack965]

I still find it hard to believe that after cutting off so many roots that the tree will still live that's what amazed me about this hobby so much thanks Nigel for sharing 🌳🌳🌳

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Mike.

[@ianrahmatulla1030]

I really enjoy seeing the progression of the plant. Most Bonsai demonstrations never go back and show the next season's growth. Well done sir!

[@iLLuMNaTi]

Excellent video. Weeping Willow is one of my favorite trees and this one is lovely. I really like how you pause and think about what you are saying before you say it because the words coming out are crystal clear, meaningful, and rich with thoughtful information.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you /\

[@jupatj24]

Great video, and the location seems wonderful. With the sound of birds on the background. Thanks for this!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Juan, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Anna-ov4ty]

I know that you know what you're doing, but seeing how much you cut makes me gasp all the time! It is amazing that you can cut so much and the tree will still thrive

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Some times I scare myself too! I do lose trees every now and then, when I take too much off at once.

[@r58723]

Good morning Nigel, very clever use of the pot of water to feed the roots. I always enjoy your videos and learn from you, thank you hope you have a great day, Jack

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes!

[@MitchellMasilun]

Haha at 6:18 when the truck pulls up, it sounds exactly like my UPS guy. I took a look out the window and didn't see anything, had to stop the video to realize it's you. I only mention this because I'm waiting for my willow cutting to come, so studying the Zone to see what needs to be done. Keep up the great work Nigel.

[@lexilo3378]

this was one of the best videos ive seen! i learned alot.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MsBonsai2010]

I'd love to see a follow-up video for this tree when it's leafed out. Maybe mid-summer? Thanks for sharing!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+Stephanie Harris I'll be sure to give an update!

[@ladansamar5804]

The best video on root trimming I could find! Thank you Nigel! I just wish there was some info about choosing the soil/potting mix too. And the age of the tree.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks Landan, lots more coming soon!

[@RavenVargas27]

0:57 dude that's a root nest lol. Your tree is beautiful I'm starting one and your videos really help a lot thanks

[@iLeumas]

I was waiting so long for a video with your willow! It's my favorite!

[@jaysonmckeownsr9913]

Awe it's ok. I figured sense it was a older video you didn't get the message. Thanks for getting back to me. I'm new to bonsai so I follow the directions of the people around me. But letting the tree become sturdy on its own make a lot if sense. So I'll give no wiring a go. Being new to bonsai I don't have many large trees but once mine do grow out ide rather not have wire marks at the base. Thanks again for the reply. Keep up the great vids!!

[@widdershiznit]

Nigel, I had been watching this weeping willow of yours and noticed how much it reacted like my f. retusa when I didn't know that you had to repot it (long story, someday I might tell it to you). I had it in a 4 inch pot for 10 years and only pruned the roots that came out of the bottom of the pot. In order to keep it healthy and alive, the water supply was in a big saucer, similar to your bowl. If I let the retusa's water supply even come close to drying out, it would drop leaves. Both weeping willows and f. retusa love LOTS of water. Weeping willows' roots plunge down to find the underground water level and happily suck up all summer. I think that's why we find them at the edge of creeks and any above ground fresh water source, so you were supplying exactly what it wanted. I don't know what happened with the die-back in the final video, but I was searching around for a successful weeping willow bonsai to see how it was planted. attached is a photo of a weeping willow bonsai that was collected in the 1990s. I noticed the pot, narrow but quite deep for a bonsai. Perhaps we can use this method: www.bonsaiofbrooklyn.com/products/bonsai/ww3z-1.html . This man has had a shop in Brooklyn for over 30 years. I've spoken to him many times and I trust him. (notice the price...wow. That's why we make our bonsai and not buy them. heh)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thanks, I think I needed more root mass to support the large crown I had on the tree. This year it is going into a larger pot. I think with Willows, the top reflects the root mass on the bottom. Both need to be in balance. Most bonsai trees have a very large crown and a very small root system. This principle creates a bonsai tree, with small tight growth and miniature leaves. I think Willows just shed off the upper branches to match the root system, they don't react like a typical bonsai tree. That's my theory for now, I'll try it out this summer and see how it grows! Thanks for the insight and thoughtful comment, it's always good to be thinking!

[@BurchMike1]

Thanks for the share! I have a willow that's struggling pretty bad right now and I think repotting is the solution, this vid will help tremendously.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, the willows seem to do well in bonsai soil and having the reservoir of water underneath keeps them growing strongly all summer. I hope your tree recovers well.

[@johannahoneyman8772]

Hi Nigel I really enjoy your demonstrations. I also have a lot of succulents as Bonsai. I live in Cape Town South Africa

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Nice to hear from from you. I see you're having some cool wet weather. We are having the opposite here, sunny every day with very little rain.

[@joez9839]

Brutal summer here in SC. Not all that hot, but almost no rain. I've had to move all my trees into the shade on the north side of the house. That's a cool idea of a pot in a pot to provide water. I've tried growing weeping willow before without much luck. I'll try this!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Not much rain up this way either. You'll be amazed how much water the willow tree uses on a hot day!

[@joez9839]

I grew up near a creek and we had willows and why I hadn't made the connection until now is just stoopid! Yes, I watered the trees, but they really need wet roots. Too bad the tree went south. I hope the new shape works out.

[@joelshack85]

joe z I'm in NC here and yes this summer was very dry!! Had to change my watering techniques to match the dry summer months!

[@joez9839]

Daily or even twice daily watering didn't help. I resorted to immersion. Thankfully my trees are small. Which, now that I think of it, only made the problem worse. But several of my trees were beyond help when I started this technique. Getting them out of the sun and into bright shade seemed to help the rest survive.

[@joelshack85]

joe z I hope that your trees make a good recovery! So far this winter we have had good rain! I'm going for a few re-pots this spring I'm hoping for good amount of rain this year!

[@kiki-drawer2669]

Im always afraid to cut to many roots off 😭

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Me too, but it is important to sort out the roots!

[@sophiaangelini4368]

Philosophy of Bonsai (and roots) is philosophy of life.

[@CarvingBonsai]

beautiful work friend, is the result of layering, yes? ... the sound of the birds in the background was beautiful, very beautiful ... big hug Tonny Fênix

[@josanproductions8322]

Amazing ramification at the top and what a really nice roots!! Great work Nigel, the tree looks awesome :) Congratulations

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Unfortunately the tree died back, I am in the process of re building the tree.

[@josanproductions8322]

Sorry to know that, I hope it will gets recovered. And I just realised the video was posted last year. Strange coz I got the notification like it was a new video.. Anyway, is always a pleasure to see you work on a tree :)

[@Solariu5]

Nigel, thank you for the awesome videos. I enjoy watching them every time! I noticed that you prune quite a large amount of roots while repotting. However, I was advised to cut no more than 1/3 of a root system in my 5-year old Ligustrum bonsai tree, which is evidently less than you do. Could you help me please to understand, to what extent I can prune the roots without endangering my plant's health? Thank you very much!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It all depends on how many fine roots you have, when the operation is done, the tree species and the aftercare of the tree. I would say 1/3 is a fairly safe number with most trees. The exact amount is something that is specific to your tree, it's pot and your climate. If you remove too many roots, the tree will struggle and may recover by the end of summer. Too few roots and the tree will grow with too much vigor and the tree will be pot bound by the next year. Sorry not much of an answer!

[@joeNbritt]

Love the bird sounds!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It gets quite noisy at times, we have lots of wildlife in the backyard!

[@mikezajac6381]

Time for my 20yr+ Forsythia to get a long overdue re-potting but this video makes me less nervous!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The Forsythia's root really easily, so it should recover well from re potting!

[@oiinahgiiusadurrybrahchuck7209]

Hey Nigel I’m a little slow to this vid, but I’m wondering what other trees can use this fertiliser water bowl technique, and what kind of fertiliser do you use for this? Never seen that technique before, looks really useful for growing feeders

[@peterhutka]

My favourite of yours trees.

[@rachelt2672]

Hi Nigel- which plants do you decide to keep in a pot of water, like this one? Is it certain species, or based on size, age? Thanks

[@elf334]

How do I know which roots to cut off, and when I shouldn’t cut any more? I’ve never had a bonsai before and just got some cuttings.

[@dhalmjr]

Hey Nigel! Another great video! I had a quick question about the stones at the base of the repotted bonsai. What size, how many, and how long? It's a great alternative to wiring, Cant wait for the next video!

[@Doggfather26]

After such a heavy root pruning how does your tree stay alive? Do you give the tree anything to help it from getting sad?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I just keep it out of direct sun and wind for a few days, once the new root tips start to grow, it can go back into full sun.

[@jesusibarra1163]

Do you hace any update of this tree ??

[@danieleduardoramosmoreno4446]

Hi, thanks. What kind of soil u use? Cannot we use regular soil. I do vermicompost soil... isn't that fine?

[@junaidshah6122]

I could be wrong, but for Bonsai most recommend a more coarse soil for drainage reasons

[@joshuanicholas1096]

what soil mixture do you prefer for your weeping willows?

[@emvoltadaingla9715]

Thanks so much for the video, will defffffffitely help me to work the roots of the beauty I have here growing :) Subbed and liked!!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you and happy growing!

[@freshface2991]

I'm always worried about pruning roots because it could follow a shock. What roots specifically would you prune? I heard the tap root in the center could go.

[@MyManiotka]

Do you have a video for starting a Weeping Willow from a clipping? My neighbors Weeping Willow is very old and dying, it still has one good trunk and several weeping branch's. I was hoping to create a Bonsai from it before it is gone for good. I have done some bonsai work; a Maple tree forest and 2 Marsh Cypress that I have created and managed for the past 4 years. I just wish I knew how to get the nubs to come up from the Marsh Cypress, that would make my day.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Check out this video, about half way through, I start a new willow from a cutting. Good luck with the neighbors willow! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3m5gZJ_fZWpgJI

[@MyManiotka]

Thank you.

[@aleksbonsai6925]

Thanks again Nigel, I love all your trees but this probably would be in my top 5 favorites. I was wondering is there a special soil you use for willows? and whens a good time to repot since last time it still had its leaves and this time it did not? thanks and all the best

[@bonsailombok_13]

Thanks for sharing my friend 👍👍🙏

[@guudkidd]

What do I do if I have roots that stick up from the ground

[@nelson.nabais]

I think i made a MISTAKE of REPOTING and ROOT PRUNING my ligustrum today. It´s AUTUMN and maybe it was a mistake i really dont know!?! i made this decision based on the roots being all over and circulating the pot. Nigel i have pictures and i need a opinion on this subject. where can a drop those pics? great channel and thanks

[@juniperpashoo]

From my knowledge, you 'can' repot most trees in Autumn, but only via slip repotting as not to disturb the roots. Cutting the roots or meaningfully disturbing them otherwise this late into the season is usually dangerous. Most deciduous trees start immediately suffering when their roots are disturbed out of season, I've had a boxwood and dwarf alberta survive late root work, but I dunno about ligustrums. The next danger if a tree survives the rootpruning is the winter; since not as much growth is happening in the Fall, the roots may not repair themselves in time for the winter. tbh I don't know much to do now aside from doubling down on protecting your tree's roots for the Winter. The best thing would be to avoid putting yourself in that situation in the first place; slip repotting into a larger pot if you're that worried about your tree being rootbound, and then waiting until the right season to do root work. Good luck on your tree!

[@Jon_Villanueva]

Hi Nigel I just repotted a Dwarf Mock Orange from a nursery pot Yesterday i got this plant last year December .I noticed today that I have a dropped leaves do you think it’s from a transplant shock???my soil mix is potting soil ,pumice and sand

[@homes1001]

How long have you been working on that tree, and did you grow it from a seed or from a branch?

[@TurboMonky1]

Do you have any red maple videos? I've recently planted some from germinated seeds and I'm just not sure what the next step is. Do they need light or what? I'm brand new to growing anything and I'm completely lost.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Check out this article, it should help! www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-grow-a-maple-tree-from-seeds

[@TurboMonky1]

Thank you so much! You're the best! I hope to one day have as many beautiful trees as you do!

[@jaysonmckeownsr9913]

Hi Mr. Saunders, I asked this question after watching one of your old videos and didn't hear back. But, I'm new to bonsai and everything I see about repotting everyone always wires the tree to the pot. I've noticed you don't. Why is that?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Sorry about that, sometimes I don't get notifications of new comments, or somehow I miss them. I don't wire my trees into the pot for two reasons. One, I like to feel how firm the tree is in the pot when re potting. When the soil surrounds the roots the tree becomes very stable in the pot and you can feel this. If you have pocket of air or loose soil around the roots the tree will feel loose. If you repot the tree, feel the tree for firmness in the pot, and then wire it into the pot, that would be fine.....but, the second reason I don't wire them in is, I don't like to get wire marks across my surface roots. I have seen some fine bonsai with ugly wire marks across the surface roots and for me it ruins the tree. I place rocks on the surface after repotting, this holds the tree in place, stops weeds and surface evaporation and the rocks can be removed after about a month when the tree firms up in the pot.

[@danachats8944]

Do you keep this tub of water under the bonsai pot only for a weeping willow or other trees too?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I just use it on the Willows. A water tub can be useful if you are going away for a couple of days and you have no one to water your trees. If used all the time, it would keep your soil too wet for non water loving trees.

[@TomFoolery9001]

great video, why do you keep it in the water dish? Doesn't that usually cause the roots to rot? do you ever let it dry out or is that bad for weeping willows? I'm sorry for all the questions but I was wondering what your general watering schedule is for your bonsais?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Willows are on of the few trees that like their roots in water. You will find them growing along river banks for this reason. The roots can be watered normally without a tray of water below, but the tree will dry out very quickly and you will need to water 4 to 5 times a day in summer! The tree actually weeps water from the leaves in the summer to keep cool. If you go under a willow on a hot day, it's almost like mist. All my other bonsai trees get watered when the soil starts to dry out, some days I water three times a day, sometimes every three days. It all depends on the weather, the tree and the pot. I do check the trees for water at least twice a day in summer.

[@TomFoolery9001]

Thanks for the great response, I did not know that about Willow trees. Why don't you use a soil that holds water for say a week strait in the summer, is that too long for the roots to stay wet? 4 to 5 time a day seems like a full time job for all those bonsais you have! I live in Colorado and it is very dry here and I am still trying to nail down the amount of soil and what to put in my soil. I usually shoot for my plants to dry out after a week or 2 after being watered but that sounds like 4 or 5 times as long as you go between waterings. Thanks for all your great videos, I love trimming bonsais and watching you do it is almost as satisfying!

[@AdrianSoulie]

Nice natural looking tree

[@sanolio6131]

Thanks fpr this video but how should i water and how much times should i water my juniper als o how would i repot it

[@L3G3NDARYK1LL3R]

Someone told me a willow wasn't great for me to try to turn into a bonsai because they only live for 25ish years. Is this true at all? What do you suggest?

[@arnabdas1404]

Hello sir, can you tell me how to fast grow bonsai tree roots?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The more the top of the tree grows, the more the roots grow. Some trees grow roots really fast, Ficus, Maples and Elms are some examples. A ficus root can grow a couple of centimeters every day when it is warm and humid.

[@arnabdas1404]

Nigel Saunders, The Bonsai Zone thanks you sir....

[@yingyuanchen2117]

Sitting in a pot of water will not rot the roots? I'm new to bonsai. Appreciate your response. Thanks!

[@veranunley4375]

If there had been a thick established root growing out of the pot and into the water instead of just fine ones would you still cut it?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

If there were lots of other roots to support the tree, it would be no problem removing a thick one.

[@pimentejm]

Is it the root pruning that keeps bonsai small?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is one of the techniques, pruning, pot size and care are some of the other factors.

[@NeilCrossley]

May I please ask what type of soil that is.... I'm new and it looks more like small stones that soil? Many thanks

[@curtisjackson3645]

Hey Nigel, I was wondering about what the Willow was growing in before you repotted it? I saw that you had planted one of your new pines from the forest directly into bonsai soil, but this Willow looked like it was growing in regular soil. Is that what the bonsai soil will look like after a year of growing?

[@adrianll8289]

If I understand correctly, you fertilise your trees all year round? Do you reduce it during the winter time?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes, in the winter and fall, I water far less. Most of my hardy trees don't need watering from mid October to almost spring. I do check on them every few days, but I keep them in the basement most years and they stay damp. My indoor tropical trees also require less water indoors, but I still add a small amount of fertilizer to the water every time I water. I usually only need to water every 3 to 4 days. If it is sunny they do require more water and so they get more fertilizer also.

[@AshleyMarieMommy]

You said ask questions: you mentioned not wiring. Okay well I do very much love the look of a little tree looking like a big one🌳❗️ we'll wait I want to make a little Juniper look like this little 🌳 okay so I know it's not what That kind of tree looks like but I desire this so much!! Can you help me? I'm brand new at this and have only cut off dead brown things one time.

[@AshleyMarieMommy]

And I do like the little tinny pots!!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Ashley, I think it would be best if you can send me a picture of your tree and I can suggest some future steps. My email is .... [e-mail]

[@AshleyMarieMommy]

Thank you!! You are wonderful! I'll email you soon!

[@sikanderfarooqui3315]

out of curiosity ,why the rooting material of the upper tray kept in water tray was not water logged.did u have some stones in the lower tray,or............

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The Willows are one of the few trees that like having the soil around the roots wet at all times. They typically grow beside rivers and lakes. The tree will use about 1/2 of the water in the lower reservoir on a hot summer day. They use this water to cool themselves.

[@sikanderfarooqui3315]

thanx 4 sharing the info

[@Deepthiaradya]

Can u tell me after how many days I am suppose to do trimming and to change soil???

[@MaggYela]

Hi, I would like to know if they stay outdoors during winter. U know Calgary gets quite cold. Can I leave it outside or not? Love the share u r getting in this willow bonsai.

[@MaggYela]

Got it. Tsk!

[@SamuraiSmokes]

I wouldn't in berta too cold

[@fullstrutn]

If a tree grows roots are they trying to also grow trunk size or height?? What damage if any to growth?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Cutting back the roots will take vigor out of the tree until the roots begin to grow again. The roots will sub divide at the cut points, so in the end you end up with more root tips than before and the vigor of the tree will actually be increased. It takes a while to develop a good compact bonsai root system, but when you do, the roots can support a lot of foliage and branches up top.

[@munzer2006]

How and what do you fertilize a willow tree, if the tree stands in the water all year round?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I mix some powdered 20-20-20 into the water when I am watering the tree. On a hot day the tree will use almost half the water in the reservoir! I then water the tree from the top to fill the reservoir up again with the fertilized water.

[@brandonwarner3716]

Does anyone know where to find a pot like this?

[@atharvap1994]

i get about 4 hours of direct asin from sun to leaf type sunlight, and full day of ambient as in shade , is it enough to grow bonsai..?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I think that would be fine!

[@markmondrinos7721]

Wow Nigel, the flare is looking awesome! Just the last video on this tree I asked about why the flare wasn't coming in like most of your other trees that have had significant root work, but I guess it was all happening beneath the surface. This tree has potential to be a bonsai masterpiece, I saw a willow in a video that was I believe the midwestern bonsai exhibition, it was slanted and beautiful with weeping canopy but this tree could surpass it once the weeping canopy is established.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+Mark Mondrinos Thanks Mark. The tree has a long way to go, both style wise and development, but slowly and surely will do our best to make it better.

[@bonsaimoldova]

Last year you repotted this willow in May when it was already in leaves. Why this year you do it so early?

[@internetcitizen6029]

Awesome video! How long have you been tending to your plant friends for?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+La Mode Operandi I have been growing bonsai for the last 21 years. Many of my earlier trees have died, but I still have my first tree, the ficus from seed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKLWloCpaMiqebM

[@internetcitizen6029]

Awesome! I haven't grown bonsais yet but I've had a green thumb for a good portion of my 26 years on this planet. I do want to turn my ficus tree into a bonsai but the pot I have it in is quite deep. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can manoeuvre the roots into a more shallow pot without damaging the roots?

[@Niallconlan]

Hey Nigel - Im new to Bonsai and really enjoying and learning a lot from your videos. Im wondering what brand clippers you use as I'm looking to purchase a quality pair. Thanks!

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I have just purchased some new tools with my birthday money from my mom! I bought the tools here.... www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.aspx?p=66997 They are of very good quality. Hong has been using these same tools for about 20 years!

[@Niallconlan]

Oh excellent, Nigel! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it. And Happy late Birthday!

[@kinilas]

so I am just starting out bonsai (starting 3 trees this year, maybe more from cuttings) and, if you don't mind me asking, how do you know how much of the roots to cut off? I am having trouble finding videos that explain this and websites all say different things. You are currently my favorite bonsai artist on youtube so I thought I would ask you.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you, there are many factors that determine the amount of work that can be done to the roots safety.. Most of the trees I do root work on survive, but I still take the roots back too far on some trees and end up killing them. Generally any of the trees that grow well from cuttings can get almost all the roots cut off, if the tree is cared for like a cutting until it recovers. Some trees don't grow roots quickly and easily, and these trees can be more difficult to root prune. Do as much research as you can on the tree and then experiment on the roots, pruning some hard and others less. You will gain a feel for the amount you can take off from experience.

[@kinilas]

Thank you, this was very helpful!

[@ggwhhbb1822]

you are an artist

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Thank you Palli.

[@KennetDeBondt]

I really like this one. greets Kennet

[@ksiama9210]

theres no primary root .... just lots of thin roots forming a flare ... how do you obtain this?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

This tree was started from a cutting many years ago. The roots have been managed over the years to keep them balanced and in a nice radial pattern. The primary roots are there, but they are just slow to thicken up because the tree is not left to grow freely.

[@radrickdavis]

Are those fingernail clippers you use for pruning fine roots?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+radrickdavis They are surgical scissors from the surplus store.

[@ΤανθένδεκαιΤάκεισε]

hello my friend. Why don't you throw some soil? It is because is empty of leaves?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is planted in a very porous soil called bonsai soil. It is 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. The roots love growing in this type of medium!

[@mikbonsai]

Hi Nigel, I am working on a video and have mentioned your bare rooting work and intend to put a card link at that point in the video. It could be this or Is there any particular video with root work you would like me to feature ? repotting is in full swing, still very cold with lots of sunshine. Best wishes from cold and sunny West London. Iqbal

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Iqbal, here is my general re potting video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5S2pmuJirZjoac These use various different species.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIi4nqZpn6dlfdk kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ_GdJZtdpp4e5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWW1YYeAnKZ9m5o Thanks, we had a cold rainy day yesterday, but I'm sure the snow will return soon!

[@tsheringphuntsho3768]

Hey can you identify the name of plant n flower i got pls got to know it help me out

[@remtv9681]

What soil are you using?

[@CDM10000]

do you place your trees on top of some base to get a flat root base?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I don't, I just use pruning. It is a good method when developing your trees to place a flat or slightly rounded solid object beneath the tree. You still need to manage the roots to get an equal balance all the way around the base, but it insures you get the roots in a nice plane.

[@CDM10000]

Nigel Saunders thank you

[@roylolopez2598]

Hi Nigel I am new to bonsai world what mix of soil are you using ? can you give me a link where to buy?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Hello Roylo, I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. I screen out the dust and fine particles. Here is a video on watering and fertilizing this soil.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs

[@roylolopez2598]

Hi Nigel I really appreciate on your reply I'm not expecting it. I have been googling a where to find a Turface here in my country New Zealand I don't think we have it here is there any other alternative for this?Thanks

[@chiefmorning7791]

;)))) I love your videos I have many willow trees !) Awesome video;)

[@outsiderdf]

What's the plan to deal with the reverse taper?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

This taper is caused by scar tissue from a rabbit attack. It would have grown out with age, unfortunately the top of the tree died in a cold spell we had and the I am starting to regrow the tree from the trunk that is left. I think some day it will look even better than before, but it will take some time.

[@outsiderdf]

Nigel Saunders I saw that vid, it will look better I am sure of it.

[@paulkim535]

Do you ever let the bonsai drain? or is always in the tub of water?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is always in a tub of water. Willows are one of the few trees that like to have the roots in the water. They are normally found growing beside rivers and lakes. Most trees would not like this and it would start to rot the roots.

[@paulkim535]

Thank you! Im just starting to get into growing bonsai and your videos have been very helpful

[@samuelyavan2706]

hi Nigel Saunder is Samuel it Ben a wail since I aske a question and I have a question I want to aske I need a good bonsai soil it Ben very deficult to make one what can I do

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+samuel yavan A bonsai tree will grow in any soil if you give it the right conditions and water. I have grown trees in compost and if you water them correctly they will grow well. Any free draining soil will work. The more you add material like gravel or small stones, the better your drainage will be. All materials should be passed through a sifter, to remove all fine particles. The roots need to grow between all the spaces within your soil, fine material will clog up these spaces and stay wet too long.

[@irshada9234]

Nice video

[@SRZTurk]

Is it possible to wash of the soil instead of raking it?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+Turk Plays Yes, washing the soil off with a hose is fine. You will still need to do a lot of raking and combing to get all the roots free of the old soil and to get the roots sorted out.

[@SRZTurk]

Thank you very much for the fast reply. I got a bonsai friday, whom I don't know the species of, and I would like to know what I should look for deciding if and when to cut it's roots.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Turk Plays Be sure that the tree is growing well before doing any root work. It is better to not re pot then to re pot until you know the condition of the tree. If the tree is tropical, wait until it has had a growth spurt and becomes bushy, then prune back the top and re pot. If the tree is hardy or semi-hardy, re pot in early spring before the leaves are out. Good luck.

[@aribh4929]

How do you get more surface roots to grow?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+Arib Hassam A willow will naturally grow more and more surface roots as it gets older. Root pruning the thicker roots back hard and the smaller roots less, helps also.

[@atharvap1994]

or what is the minimum direct sunlight required for bonsai. not including ambient of reflected light.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

A general rule is at least four hours of direct sun per day. Some trees are more shade tolerant than others, so results may vary!

[@samuelyavan2706]

ok thanks for your help

[@TGNep]

What kind of media (soil) is that

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. I sift out the dust and fine particles and here is how I water and fertilize..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYmseqOuitarmrs

[@fishmut]

Is that a special bonsai soil your useing, it looks like perlight or gravel . What is it exactly. You call it soil .

[@samuelyavan2706]

what that bonsai soil you use in that video

[@TheBonsaiZone]

+samuel yavan Hi Samuel, check out the soil recipe in this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmaVY3SPltyahas

[@samuelyavan2706]

I need a good soil I hope you can help me or some recomation

[@leahmcginley4057]

what kind of willow tree is this?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

It is a weeping willow, here are some interesting facts about it..... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salix_babylonica#Horticultural_selections_and_related_hybrids

[@8648132]

hello. why u put tree in stones only?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The small stones leave air spaces for water and air. The roots really like growing in this mixture!

[@8648132]

do you use some fertilizer ?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Yes I add a small amount of fertilizer each time I water.

[@problemsolver3254]

YOU are like bob ros

[@TheBonsaiZone]

THANK you!

[@BonsaiBinhDinh]

rat tuyet

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Cảm ơn bạn veru nhiều!

[@zekeq1523]

Why do you need to repot at all?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The roots are worked on and pruned to get nice looking surface roots that create the look on a miniature tree. Without root pruning the tree would eventually get weak and difficult to water as the tree becomes root bound in the pot.

[@leventevarga2486]

Can we get your soil mix recipe? :)

[@TheBonsaiZone]

The soil is 1/2 perlite mixed with 1/2 turface. To this I add 10 to 20 percent composted pine bark. All materials are screened to remove the fine particles.

[@leventevarga2486]

Ty Nigel

[@1bigreddog1]

What is your soil mix?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

I use 1/2 perlite and 1/2 turface. I'll mix in 10 to 20 percent composted pine bark sometimes also. I sift all my ingredients to remove the large and the fine particles. I get a 3 to 4 mm particle size in the end. I fertilize very, very weakly, every time I water.