I started this air layer in 2015 to try and improve the nebari on this acer shiraswanum that had been growing in my garden for a number of years. The first picture shows the old root base and the position of the layer further up the trunk.
I severed the layer in April 2016 and placed the tree in a large plastic pot for 2 years to let the new roots develop. I removed the tree from the pot this morning to find that it had filled the container with fine roots in just 2 seasons.
It took quite a lot of effort to comb out and shorten the new roots and to cut back the remains of the stump beneath the roots. This is how it looked after this work was completed.
Here it is now in its now in its new pot.It’s now ready to begin the long journey that will transform it into a bonsai.
Hi Robert, thanks for sharing. I’m interested in your reasons for leaving some of the roots at the base of the tree exposed? Presumably it’s to create the nebari.
Yes Blair, by exposing part of them that area will dry off creating the beginings of a nebari
Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog.