I can’t tell you how many times people have told me that they purchased a tree, or collected one only to find that when they clear away some of the top soil that the tree continued to widen out.  This not only will add height to the tree when planted at the proper soil level, but will add a stronger look for the tree as the nebari width increases. 

A few years ago when I potted up my bouganvillea I had to plant it rather low because I had changed the angle of the tree dramatically.  It showed no surface roots and had no flair.  However this week I decided to repot the tree into a smaller pot to bring attention to the massive trunk.  However when I cleared away the soil the trunk had some great surpises to show me.

The trunk had great flair and roots had developed. In addition I was now able to pot the tree up about 3″ higher.

You can see the old soil line and how much more strength the repot gave the tree.

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Well actually the tree isn’t shrinking, just the bonsai pot that it is in.  Last year when I potted this tree up for the first time it went into a very large bonsai pot.  However because of the lack of roots close to the trunk I had no choice.  This year is a different story.

Bald Cypress ready for repotting

This tree put out so many new branches in all of the right spots.  I can’t wait to wire it out.  It is naturally weeping a bit, so that is how I plan to style it.  First I need to get it into a smaller pot.

New Bonsai pot comparison

As you can see the new pot is a great deal smaller.  I remember potting the tree last year and there were very big roots so this is going to be a very tight squeeze.

Great New Roots

When I pulled the tree out of it’s current pot I was very happy to see these kinds of roots.  The tree thrived this past year and these roots are proof.  Also if you ever had a question about how well my bonsai mix works, now you know!!

Raked roots

After a quick rake the roots are now combed out, and the tree is ready for the new pot.

Too Big

Okay, don’t panic!!!  This tree really is ver large and I knew this challange was coming.  There is some growth on the tips of the roots, but still there is plenty close to the trunk.  I’m pretty confident this will go in with some help.

Saws All to the rescue

Of course when I said help I was referring to my Saws All.  I removed just enough of the roots to have a nice fit with a little room for new growth.  You can still see loads of roots remain.

Repotted Bald Cypress

Success!!!  The tree fit, and this combination pot and tree looks very good.  I have still some carving, wiring, styling, etc to perform but the hard work is done.  Now comes the fun!

Big Nebari

One last shot to show the nebari of the trunk.  The tree is sitting a little low in the pot on purpose to let the roots heal up.  Next year I’ll raise it up a bit more to really show the trunk spread.

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