Amur Maple, Plus Native Trees as Bonsai, Part 1, The Bonsai Zone, May 2022

It's getting close to the end of the repotting season for hardy trees, but I'm squeezing a few more in!
I'm working on the Amur Maple (Acer ginnala) from the Kitchener-Waterloo club workshop and I begin potting up trees from the native tree sale. In part one I begin work on a Chinkapin or Chinquapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii).

#TheBonsaiZone

[getintothewildwithjeffruma]

It’s amazing how much a maple can take from us and come back strong👍

[packrs]

Never seen someone cut off as many roots as this guy. I'm too scared can't risk it lol

[BlueJayBonsai]

Hmmm. I think someone took the best trees at the workshop before you got to pick Nigel! 🤣 Just kidding, I think once the roots develop it will be a cool tree. I’ll buy it off you if you don’t want it. I like the angle. 👍

[jballenger]

Good evening from Boston, bonsai buddies 🌱🌱🌱

[paulschaefer]

I used to do the top first and the roots later too. Then one time I had to nearly restructure the entire top and left just one thin twig. As I was doing the root work on the tree I accidentally broke off the one remaining branch. fortunately, the tree did survive and is still growing but from now on, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[joegarland]

I have had a Amur maple for over 20 years it is one of my favourite maples, I love the leaf shape and size it is the first maple to leaf out and the first to go dormant. The roots are very delicate and damage easily so care needs to taken when dealing with them, best of luck with yours.

[marysoldeeley]

I have successfully overwintered a tree finally. I might try some locally collected native trees again...

[Groglor]

Very interested in native trees. Its the only ones I have and im in western ontario with harsh long winters.

[MaybeBonsai]

I do find that root rake tends to scrape the roots bark quite easily. I thought it was because the edges of my rake is too sharp.

I have the same problem with my oaks. They were planted sideways and have very ugly s-shapes. I tried to apply some wire tourniquet to force a new root base above the s-shape. I'll check next year if it worked. :/

[otterwench]

you and Laura (Lora?) remind me of my husband and me. he works from home and I am house bound for the most part so we spend lots of time together, but focused on our own stuff. we check in with each other and share our days. I have learned a lot about cyber security, and he knows a lot about fiber art and succulents. this year will make 22 years together. that first tree reminds me of a beautiful snail.

[andersnrregren]

I dont do root work on my maples in spring when sap is flowing becuz if i touch roots the root bark just peel right off

[marctellierii]

Hey Nigel, would you have any updates on these trees?

[BostonBonsaiIdiot]

That reminds me: what size sieve do you use? I haven’t been sitting by soil and I’ve paid the price. It’s time to be a big boy and start sifting. Looking forward to part 2!

[ck]

Nice. Nigel could you give us an update on the 12$ juniper as well. Thanks

[lindsayre]

I have a question - why not hose the soil from the root system instead of hacking away?
Love your videos! 👍

[Alepoudiitsa]

yes that how most of my trees i buy are here, a ball in the senter that y i stop trying to do to much root work on them and i just get cuting's of them, i even got that root hormon? or how it is call to try give them more changes on rooting.

[klytuko]

How much perlite (think they are in litres?) was in that green bag at around @1:23?

[ludoneven]

hello nigel from belgium would it be possible to have your email address I would like to send you some photos of my trees and pottery that I do in ceramics