transplanting question

[vlkcheng]

i did most of the transplanting around mid to late August this year. I did get rid of a lot of the original soil around the root ball and change it to quite a different mix (more free drainage mix) . What I've noticed while my deciduous trees are doing fine. The pines are still not pushing new grow yet. The buds are either sitting there or only swell very slowly. The trees still look healthy. Is this normal after repotting?? Have I shock the trees too much? Should I try fertilising them with fertilizer with high N value and see what happens? Can I decandle them later if they start to push out new grow or should I wait til next year? Sorry for asking too many questions at once.

[shibui]

I think it unlikely you have done anything wrong. Pines can tolerate almost the same as deciduous trees.
I am surprised that they have not started to grow yet but might just be a bit slow. they still look healthy so should be ok. Usually after repotting they grow faster.
It is 2 months since you repotted. I would be giving some fert now.
I would only decandle if the trees are close to finished. if you want them to grow and thicken leave the new candles to grow freely to feed the tree then cut back hard later in the year.

Remember my advice applies to cool climate Victoria. hopefully one of the northeners can offer closer to home advice.

[Newbie.mia]

I'm in Brisbane and my pines are a little slow moving as well, after doing some research and reading Leongs book on pines I have put this down to the early hot spell we have had. Pines like to take a nap when temps go above 30+ degrees. Somebody with more experience may have a better answer for us both though. I will be watching with interest. Mia