AusBonsai

Hey all!. I've posted this tree a couple of times before in the past and had some excellent feedback as to it's design and where to take it...which is greatly appreciated. I now have a problem on my hands which I'd like to rectify at it's next repot and would like some input please.
Due to the extreme slanting nature of the tree it's very unbalanced and top heavy (weight-wise) and I've found it very hard to stabilise the tree when it comes to repotting.
Last Winter it slowly, but surely came loose from it's potting position and the wire I had at the base of the trunk, managed to slip off. Going unnoticed like this for about a week caused horrible stress to the tree. Every bit of foliage gradually died off and I was left with a deciduous looking form of Melaleuca
Well, as you can see, this tree has fought back and recuperated to it's healthy self once again, but I certainly don't want a repeat.
Is there some way I can stabilise the right side of the tree from underneath the soil level? The reason it's in such a large pot is because I thought this was the only way I could get it in place and to stay that way (with a large amount of mix around it). Two clothes pegs propping it up like it is isn't too asthetically pleasing either!
I'd really appreciate some ideas on a suitable pot for this tree as well. Please, no suggestions for Tokaname, 1) It's not worthy of such a pot, and 2) I haven't got that sort of money at my disposal.
Again, thanks for comments in the past and I look forward to any suggestions/input for it's future.

Cheers!
Anthony

I don't see many solutions here. The problem is usually only until the new roots reestablish after repotting and I use temporary props on unstable trees until the roots can support the weight. If the tie down won't hold position I would make up a 'cradle' from wire (M shape?) or something like 2 chopsticks to prop up the trunk a bit higher up than the pegs. Like wire on branches it may not look pretty but only has to be there until the job is done.

shibui wrote:I don't see many solutions here. The problem is usually only until the new roots reestablish after repotting and I use temporary props on unstable trees until the roots can support the weight. If the tie down won't hold position I would make up a 'cradle' from wire (M shape?) or something like 2 chopsticks to prop up the trunk a bit higher up than the pegs. Like wire on branches it may not look pretty but only has to be there until the job is done.

I haven't had experience with a bonsai that has such a problem, but I agree with the chopsticks idea. In japan they use massive stakes to prop up pines and such that are on a slant in much the same way. Hopefully any method like this won't be necessary for too long

I have had a tree with this problem but overcame it by supporting the tree with polystyrene under the soil level and pulled the tree down tight with a guy wire around the tree and the pot. If you thread black cable over very thin aluminum it is not obtrusive. That holds it into place until the root system develops. Hope this helps

As someone with only a short time in Bonsai I would like to (right or wrong) make some observations
as I will learn as well from this thread.

If your tree is hard up against the right hand side of the pot then there is no mass of roots to balance
the leverage being generated by the tree's angle and substantial top. I guess these are the roots that need to be tied down.

If it has fallen down before it is more likely to do it again I assume it is kept outside and must face
the elements.

I would get it into the middle of a training pot with some depth to get some roots to manipulate and
plant it low with a modified, notched and maybe padded rim to hold the trunk in a no risk position.

Then after that with a good root mass I would go back to the original pot and pot more towards the center.

Anyway this is good chat room stuff.

Cheers David

G'day banksia,

Very nice tree mate. I like it alot. I don't really have any suggestions for under soil support though. How about a single wire round the trunk somewhere below the crown going down onto the left side lip of the pot, down under the pot and hooked into the drainage hole. That wouldn't be too obtrusive but would hold it until the roots can - or maybe you are saying that basically the roots don't really hold it by themselves ever?
If the trunk were to lay right down on the soil that would also be a completely believable style for a seaside mel.

Good luck anyhow

neal.

G,day mate, as this is a slanting/ semi cascade tree, it could go in a deeper pot, square or round, so that will stabilize the look of the tree.
Then when you are re potting it get some bamboo skewers two should be enough pass them though the root ball as close to the trunk as possible then tie the skewers in position.

While you wait to do that, put a piece of rock where you have the pegs, it will look much more pleasing aesthetically.

Pup Oi Oi Oi

Thanks for all the replies/suggestions people!. I have tried polystyrene before (on another tree) and this worked well. I've thought of doing the same with this tree but always invisaged it in a different pot (such as Pup said i.e deeper or round/smaller) I like the idea of chopsticks and think this is what I'll do.
Now...where to find that elusive pot??...any ideas Pup?

Cheers!
Anthony

banksia wrote:Thanks for all the replies/suggestions people!. I have tried polystyrene before (on another tree) and this worked well. I've thought of doing the same with this tree but always invisaged it in a different pot (such as Pup said i.e deeper or round/smaller) I like the idea of chopsticks and think this is what I'll do.
Now...where to find that elusive pot??...any ideas Pup?

Cheers!
Anthony

Well there's a few nurseries in the metro area, also a few spares in the back yard if you want a trip to north Albany

Well there's a few nurseries in the metro area, also a few spares in the back yard if you want a trip to north Albany

Cheers Mate!. Nothing against our local nurseries, but I'd rather come over and check out what you might have on offer. Will P.M /contact you as soon as poss.

Cheers!
Anthony