Cottoneaster

[Paulneill]

Hi everyone

I wanted to show you all this cottoneaster layer i removed a few days ago.
I removed the 3 large branches from the back that helped create good taper.It is over 4 inches at the base.
i have wraped a sock around it to protect the bark.there is no scars behind
I hope im not counting my chickens before they hatch but i dont see any reason why this wont grow strongly as there were plenty of roots.
There is growth at the end of the leader that i will leave until spring before cutting back to a stub.
What do you guys think ?

[Boics]

I think it has nice taper and would like to see how it progresses in time.
As an FYI the picture you posted here (and I think in a few other threads too) are super small.
They do not enlarge at all and therefore do not do your work the justice it likely deserves!

Cheers,

P.S. I love Cottoneaster mine has a whole heap of buds on their way to becoming berries..

[Damian Bee]

Is now a good time to play with these? Repotting in particular?

[Boics]

G'day Damian.

My understanding is that Spring is the most ideal time to repot these guys.
Admittedly I re-potted mine pretty late (probably around a month ago) in spring and even gave a couple of ugly big roots a decent hack.
It's powered on and hasn't missed a beat.

General advise is too not go too hard on the roots.

[Paulneill]

Thanks boics

I'm happy I finally have a tree with a descent trunk to start branch development . Do they callous much as there are 3 large wounds on the back . I will post better pictures soon as I figure out how to use tapatalk.

I think is a bit late for repotting Damian. ;(

[Boics]

I've only got one Cotoneaster at the moment.

To be 100% honest it's trunk doesn't look much like yours but as I said your pic is pretty small.
My tree actually has some pretty horrific scars on it..

However all the new cuts that I have made and used cut paste seem to be healing very well.
I have also sort of re-exposed some of the existing cuts and then re-applied cut paste these seem to be going ok as well.

So in summary I reckon they heal pretty well - or at the very least better than other trees.

Last thing to mention is the tree's have rampant growth.
Buds and shoots will come from nigh on everywhere.

It has always been my understanding that nearby growth will help to heal wounds.
So keep this in mind.

Others might like to comment on this as well.
I am by no means an expert.

[Paulneill]

Here is a better picture I hope

Front

[Paulneill]

Here is the back

Fingers crossed I don't get any dieback here .

[Paulneill]

This tree is growing well I'm keeping it shaded from the mid day sun because I'm worried it may burn the bare trunk. all 3 wounds have started to callous so no die back . . It has popped a couple of buds in a perfect spot to keep the sap flowing were it needs to be to prevent dieback. I am looking forward to developing the branch structure in the future as it is the first finished trunk I have owned . I am leaving it to grow wild next season to give the wounds a chance to heal before keeping the branches in check. I'm hoping it is a slow growing species after reading some cotoneaster are not suitable because of rampant growth.

[Boics]

Bah - rampant growth...

Rampant growth just means more work/play!

Are ficus not suitable for Bonsai due to their "rampant" growth now either!?

The pics are heaps better mate..
Gives me a much clearer understanding of what's going on here..
All the work to this point looks good and your foundations appear to be well set.

Look forward to seeing some progressive pics of this tree when you get some branching and foliage going on...

Last note..
I and many others have been getting smashed by leafhoppers this summer..
My poor Cottoneaster appears to be a favoured specimen and many of my leaves have suffered extensive marks/damage.
Just keep an eye on things to keep your foliage and tree in good health.
May not be such an issue in NSW.

Cheers.

[Paulneill]

Thanks for the advice boics.

Could I use confidore on this species?. I do find that lace bugs, catapillers and small spiders love to attack it.