Bare-rooting

[paddles]

in the past I've used water, and found it not so effective (as in a jet from a nozzle on hose) the air was more effective, less messy, BUT the point about it drying out the roots is a viable one. it did dry the roots. Last night, due to my stupidity (we won't go into it ok?) the dogs tipped over, chewed and otherwise destroyed all the bonsai's remaining here. they were all dunked into a bucket of diluted seasol, and then replanted. I am guessing that barerooting with air does less damage than swishing in water (again I'm talking fine rooted stuff) and the drying out, on the grounds that you are not taking more than 5 minutes, not really an issue. I think, in the long run, it is up to personal preferance (like potting mix ratios) everyone will have an opinion. I tried it, I like it, and will prob use it again. I do feel it is less damaging than using a root rake. and appeared, unlike useing a jet of water, in my opinion, to untangle the roots more.

[Pup]

How do you collect the Micorizea from the conifers? once you have blown it all up in the air. It might be OK for trees that can be bare rooted but, I would not try it on coniferus trees.

Cheers Pup

[Craig]

and the drying out, on the grounds that you are not taking more than 5 minutes, not really an issue.

Surerly you take longer than 5 mins to repot a good tree/any tree for that matter Ity can take longer than that to decide on it's position in the pot .

How do you collect the Micorizea from the conifers? once you have blown it all up in the air.

i have been wondering the same thing Pup

[paddles]

quality of tree issue? My trees sit in the middle of the pot... end of story... I look at the tree beforehand, and then say ok, and generally are repotted within 10 min of lifting out of a pot. My trees are not brilliant quality, and never will be... I accept this.

I don't have any pines... no I tell a lie, I have a radiata, and I wouldn't bare root a radiata, or a cedar, or a juniper? I'd use the air to blow the edges out before trimming tho.... I'll let you know how it goes when I do my radiata next year....

[Craig]

My trees sit in the middle of the pot... end of story...

Slacker , it's good to see your up and doing things Heidi, keep well,