BeebsBonsai
Shohin
Hello fellow Nuts,
I have a very young Trident Maple that @Eric Group sold me. I will be repotting it next year into a pond basket or other similar growing container. In addition to a full repot, I would like to employ the tile method. Does anybody have any hands-on tips that they can offer to execute this properly? I have read up on it a whole bunch but practical advice from fellow nuts who've done it would be much appreciated. See below for a few key questions I have in the process:
1.) Drainage- Does it inhibit drainage at all? Common sense has me thinking it would hold water on the surface of the tile. To prevent this, should I drill holes in the tile? Or is that counter-productive to the flat, spreading root system I am after?
2.) Tying down- I have seen a few examples of how to tie the roots down to the tile. Most involve tiny drill holes with wire twist ties around the roots. Keeping in mind my tree is young, I believe @Eric Group said he developed it from a cutting last year, how do I tie it down to the tile properly and with the least damage to the roots I am saving?
3.) Shin- Do you recommend flat cutting under the center of the tree, what is typically referred to as the shin? I feel like this would provide the best possible radial spread, and have seen people recommending it and saying not to do it. Anyone with practical experience have advice on what to do?
Thanks in advance to anyone who offers their advice, as it is greatly appreciated. I hope everyone has a great week, and happy bonsai!
Beebs
I have a very young Trident Maple that @Eric Group sold me. I will be repotting it next year into a pond basket or other similar growing container. In addition to a full repot, I would like to employ the tile method. Does anybody have any hands-on tips that they can offer to execute this properly? I have read up on it a whole bunch but practical advice from fellow nuts who've done it would be much appreciated. See below for a few key questions I have in the process:
1.) Drainage- Does it inhibit drainage at all? Common sense has me thinking it would hold water on the surface of the tile. To prevent this, should I drill holes in the tile? Or is that counter-productive to the flat, spreading root system I am after?
2.) Tying down- I have seen a few examples of how to tie the roots down to the tile. Most involve tiny drill holes with wire twist ties around the roots. Keeping in mind my tree is young, I believe @Eric Group said he developed it from a cutting last year, how do I tie it down to the tile properly and with the least damage to the roots I am saving?
3.) Shin- Do you recommend flat cutting under the center of the tree, what is typically referred to as the shin? I feel like this would provide the best possible radial spread, and have seen people recommending it and saying not to do it. Anyone with practical experience have advice on what to do?
Thanks in advance to anyone who offers their advice, as it is greatly appreciated. I hope everyone has a great week, and happy bonsai!
Beebs