larix leptolepis

[greenhorn321]

I'm aiming for informal upright, its still a very young tree that I've not done anything to. If anyone could tell me what steps to take?

 

[crust]

In CA you have allot of resources. I don't know how this species does there--touch base with a CA bonsai freak. I would say over the next few years continue to grow it in a training pot. next spring repot it and work the roots hard--cut off aerial roots. Trim the roots into a flat pad. Chose small thin branches and wire down. pinch them and don't let them get thick. Feed moderately and don't let it dry out. Keep doing this for a few years. Plant in shallow pot. Reduce fert and repots and keep tight. Cut back "pony tails" as necessary--keep thinned.

 

[fore]

Crust, would you suggest I do the same to some seedlings I stuck in the ground this spring? They are growing like crazy!

 

[crust]

Actually Chris, growing trees in the ground is, as you may know, or at least can imagine, is a wholly different thing however getting fine ramified roots on seedlings before they go in the ground is required in my book. So next spring dig them up and bare root them and either plant them in a container to ramify and develop a good set of roots for future planting out again or at minimum trim the roots good and replant. If you let them just grow wild without top work one can hack back to a lower branch later (which is the only way to develop larch tape anyways) BUT if you just let them grow without serious root work you usually end up with just a few big, ugly, tubular, undivided roots to struggle with later and no nice root flare. I have a few developing in my nursery bed and yes they can really put on wood but more importantly heal large hack back scars. I grow sometimes 4 foot or more extensions before I cut back. Sometimes I have 3 inch round scars to heal. Sac branches work well while in ground too.

 

[fore]

Firstoff, Thank You Greenhorn321 for letting me ask Crust these questions on your thread!

And also, Thanks Crust! So next spring, after bare rooting them in a container, should I plan on leaving them potted up till I get the ramification I'm looking for...like 2yrs or so I'd think, then stick them back in the ground? Or, which you didn't mention, next spring, dig them up and work the roots over a tile or piece of wood and place back in the ground? I'm thinking the former as it's so much easier to get a nice ramified set of roots in a container??

Many Thanks Crust! (and I guess the same applies to JBP, Ch. Elms and a couple of Tridents also newly planted seedlings from this spring in the growing bed area?)