Root bound Hokkaido Elm

[Larz]

Looking for some advice on this root bound Hokkaido Elm. As you can see, there are 3 large main roots growing in the shape of the nursery pot. I have done basic root pruning before, but never chopped into roots this prominent. I have read all the warnings about Hokkaido Elms as bonsai, but this one was only $6, so I figured I might learn something! I plan to repot and then just clip and grow, but I need to wrangle those roots first.
Any assistance would be appreciated.

 

[Jester217300]

It's the wrong time of year to repot. You need to wait until next spring at the minimum. Please fill in your flair with your location so people can give you region specific advice.

 

[Poink88]

For $6.00 I would buy several! I wish I can find them here.

I agree that repotting elm now is not advisable. It doesn't look that bad but if it will make you feel better, plant it in a slightly bigger pot and just add soil. Elms are very hardy but if you want the safe approach, do not disturb the root ball now if possible.

Good luck!

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Agreed, this is not the right time of year to repot. It doesn't look as though it can't wait until spring; you'll just need to be diligent with watering. Hokkiado elms require as much sun as you can give them to thrive, which means you'll need to keep a good eye on watering.

Also, be advised that 90% of that tree's roots are attached to those 3 roots you see. That's how elms grow, so it will be important to untangle them carefully in the spring, and maybe tackle each one in a separate year. Here is an example of that work, several years into the process. You can see the tree still defaults to sending out a strong root instead of many fine roots. Next year I can shorten that last root on the left and gradually begin to improve the appearance of some surface roots.

 

[M. Frary]

And you could put it into a small collander to get those roots back budding if that is the correct term. Slip pot it.

 

[Larz]

Quick responses, thank you. I updated my profile for my location, I thought that was in there already.
I'll try to keep it alive in our 95 degree summer and start on the roots in the spring.

Since I have 8-9 months to wait, Can anyone point to some good root work tutorials? It's my weakest point of bonsai education so far and decidedly the most important to understand!

Again, many thanks!

 

[Poink88]

One thing I do and you may want to consider is to apply tourniquet now on the 3 main roots (an inch or so from the trunk). Bury it a bit deeper and come spring...you may have new root growth near the trunk already and MAY be able to sever all 3 main roots at that time (depending on what you have).

 

[GrimLore]

Slip pot it into something a few inches larger until Spring. If it is anything like Elms up here it will be fine. As stated earlier make sure it has water - up here mine are in pots standing in 3/4 inch of water during the hot spells.

Grimmy