But have never done one.
How much can I hack off at collection time?
Doing it this spring when I see buds move.
It's 57 years old with about a 5 to 6 inch trunk at the ground.
It has also been hedged every year.
Also treat it like a pine or a juniper or a or a spruce or cedar?
Or like a yew?
If I was attempting this project.
1. I would keep all the foliage, remove only dead branches, leave stubs if desired.
2. I would start with a 36 inch diameter root ball approximately 18 inches deep.
3. Sever large anchor roots, retain all feeder roots, even if they need to be wrapped in to fit in the grow box.
4. If possible and feeder roots are encountered and retained then and only then slowly reduce root ball and shorten thick anchor roots that have no apparent feeder roots.
5. When size is determined build grow box I inch larger and deeper than root ball retained. Use pumice to fill in around retained soil and replace any removed natural soil but do not disturb the rootball too much. For transfer from ground to grow box wrap tightly in plastic or burlap. Mist exposed roots to retain humidity and prevent drying out during the entire process.
6. Secure tightly in grow box, maintain moisture and provide shade until new growth is showing strongly.
7. Allow one or two growing seasons before attempting any other work or repotting.
Best of luck!
Hope my ramblings make sense.
