Pomegranate dig

[terryb]

Had the opportunity to dig a pomegranate today. Unfortunately spring has come a little early and it already had a bunch of new growth on it but the owner wanted it gone, so out it came. I took as much soil as I could with the rootball and it is currently wrapped in hessian and taking a seasol bath. I cut it back to reduce the amount of leaves (and get it in the car) but left some on to help it recover. I was planning on potting it as is into a foam box tomorrow to give it a chance to recover and get some new roots going before deciding what to keep and what to remove. I'm assuming that I should leave the current soil in place until it is much happier? I'm also not sure if I should cut the trunks back further or whether the current reduction will suffice for now. Any advice gratefully accepted.
Terry

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[kcpoole]

Nice score

[Akhi]

G'day
I wouldn't be too concerned about the early start to spring. Your idea to plant it in a box now is spot on just ensure there is enough for a year's worth of root growth and then decide the structure between now and next spring. Great size you have there.

[Matt S]

Hey Terry - well done, lots to work with there.

Your current repotting plan is sound, no problems at all. Eventually I reckon you'll be taking the trunks down further but you'll need a plan first. You can leave it as it is, get it settled in a pot and then make some decisions once you get some decent growth.

Matt.

[Watto]

Love your pommie, and anyone who digs "big" is a winner. They do make good bonsai and with some care and careful pruning it will turn out a cracker.

[terryb]

Thanks everyone for your comments and encouragement. Potted it up tonight and hoping it settles in without too many dramas.

[pureheart]

Any update on this?


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[terryb]

Any update on this?

It has settled in and is on the move, even with flowers (which I have been removing). Expect it to move faster now that the crappy weather has all but gone and we are getting some days above 20C.

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New buds are popping eveywhere

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[bonsai_mick]

Congratulations

[pureheart]

Great!


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[terryb]

A quick update and question.

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After a season of free growth, I began to start work on this tree about a month ago after it had lost most of its leaves. I removed a largish crossing branch and am slowly working on the other trunks - bit by bit. I noticed today that the buds are swelling and starting to open.

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Is this an appropriate time to work on the roots? They haven't been touched since digging, so I would like to take a look at what is happening below the soil, remove any heavy roots, reduce the root mass (does a third seem reasonable?) and replant shallower but leave enough room for this years growth.

Apologies for the photos, it is hard to move, so had to make do.

Terry

[kcpoole]

I would sort out the roots now, especially if the buds are swelling.
I have new shoot on Chinese elm here now and a liquidamabar starting to look like they are about to start as well, despite today being the coldest morning so far

Ken

[terryb]

Following Ken's advice, I had a go at the roots. Here's a pic for those that are interested. Ended up replanting in the same foam box but shallower. Should still be plenty of room for another years growth.

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Unfortunately the other day, our puppy decided that jins were required where I had already removed stubs and applied grey sealing putty
Must be tasty stuff, she hadn't touched the tree in the 8 months prior!

[Keep Calm and Ramify]

Terryb
Very "rooty" - you gotta be happy with that. Good job.
Obviously your puppy found it necessary to help fix up some of your mistakes.

[hard1all]

Maybe we should compare notes?

This is mine. Quite a bit smaller than yours but I hope that means I may still have some chance of shaping with wire as the growth is not too thick?

It came out of the ground about a month ago. Is putting out growth but my fingers are crossed that it will hold. I think it will.

Mine is red-flowering and they do look spectacular.

Good luck with yours.