In Part 2 of this Bonsai Collaboration I root prune and pot my four collected field-grown trees.

Watch to see just how much root growth you can remove safely.  I ended up with two Smooth Leaf Elms and two European Hornbeams.

Jelle @GrowingBonsai  also pops in for a few more words of wisdom…

Topics Covered today:

Cleaning and root pruning the first tree.
Why can we prune so much root?
Into a pot.
Let’s look at the Hornbeam.
Some essential advice.
What can I do with this Elm?
A root cutting perhaps?
Another tree to pot up.
A disappointing Hornbeam.
Jelle has the last word.

God Bless & Happy Bonsaiing Xavier

In today’s Bonsai Basics, I will be doing my tree collecting with lots of help from Jelle of GrowingBonsai.  If you have never collected before this is just what you need to watch.

This has everything from great tips, practical advice and even a few funny moments too! You definitely don’t want to skim this video…

Thanks to Hugh of Aveland Trees for allowing me on-site, especially as he thought he was going to have to do all the digging! If anybody else is interested in visiting and is near to Bourne in Lincolnshire hit the link below: https://www.avelandtrees.co.uk/

Topics Covered Include:

What tools do I need for collecting?
Three Dig Site Options.
What tree should I collect Jelle?
A visit to Aveland Trees.
Too many branches Jelle!
Where do I start digging?
Is it the same rule for all trees?
Packing the root ball.
Hardwood cuttings challenge?
A tour of Aveland Trees.
Packing the roots with sphagnum.
A few more useful tips.

Part Two of this Bonsai Basics series will be all about root pruning and potting up your collected trees

God Bless and Happy Bonsaiing,
Xavier