Time for the root to go?

[The Ficus Guy]

Hey all,



I've been thinking of getting rid of the root in question:

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Why? Because as is, the tree has a bit of a problem with the leader, it comes toward the viewer like so:

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And that bothers me, a lot. So, I'm thinking of getting rid of that root, then tilting the tree back, which should correct that problem. What say you all?

[Bougy Fan]

The tree should come forward to the viewer - how much depends on the tree. But if that is the front then the root has to come off. Then if required you can lean the tree back

[jezz_39]

It looks like you're keeping the tree around the size it currently is? I don't see a problem with the top section coming forward.
Hard to give a clear answer not knowing what else is lurking underneath the soil, but you could try a ground layered strip as marked in blue to get some radial roots happening, and then chop off what is not needed. As you know Ficus heal very fast. Just an idea

[The Ficus Guy]

Thanks guys. I think the root just might have to go. I've been told numerous times that it's too heavy and doesn't add to the tree, so it might just need to go.

[DustyRusty]

Thanks guys. I think the root just might have to go. I've been told numerous times that it's too heavy and doesn't add to the tree, so it might just need to go.

I agree. Give it the chop.

Then tooth pick method the bad boy or ground layer it to get some more roots pumping. Worry about the top later, for this season, i'd chop and work on the roots.

[The Ficus Guy]

Thanks guys. I think the root just might have to go. I've been told numerous times that it's too heavy and doesn't add to the tree, so it might just need to go.

I agree. Give it the chop.

Then tooth pick method the bad boy or ground layer it to get some more roots pumping. Worry about the top later, for this season, i'd chop and work on the roots.

Thanks! That's the whole reason I'm removing that root though, to fix the top

[NathanM]

I have a fairly sizeable tiger bark in a similar situation mate. It has a good looking front, except for a root crossing over. The rest of the tree has been progressing quite well, but the front root is really in a bad spot. I am likely going to cut it off when I repot.
I will probably go the old toothpick method to try and grow some new and better roots in its plac.e.

[The Ficus Guy]

I have a fairly sizeable tiger bark in a similar situation mate. It has a good looking front, except for a root crossing over. The rest of the tree has been progressing quite well, but the front root is really in a bad spot. I am likely going to cut it off when I repot.
I will probably go the old toothpick method to try and grow some new and better roots in its plac.e.

Just how successful is the toothpick method? I hear about it all the time, but have never actually seen the results of what it does...

[The Ficus Guy]

That root is now gone:

[bonsaibruce]

Greetings from Brisvagas,
Sunny and hot here today, in the middle of our winter.
Remember the fig will should have a canopy and not styled as if it is a pine or a cold area tree with an apex.
I agree the trunk looks better without the front root.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.
Ask for me at the BCI meeting on the Gold Coast 2014 and I'll buy you a beer.

[The Ficus Guy]

Greetings from Brisvagas,
Sunny and hot here today, in the middle of our winter.
Remember the fig will should have a canopy and not styled as if it is a pine or a cold area tree with an apex.
I agree the trunk looks better without the front root.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.
Ask for me at the BCI meeting on the Gold Coast 2014 and I'll buy you a beer.

Thanks Bruce. I'm styling this one as a pine though I personally don't believe in "following the rules" and think the artist should style the tree however he wants

[kcpoole]

the trunk looks much nicer now
Ken

[mattgatenby]

Much better Ryan

[The Ficus Guy]

This one is gone with the wind. Caught some sort of fungus and I lost it.

[DustyRusty]

Bad news Ryan. Rot problems and now fungus.... and they say figs are tough.

Better luck with your others. Keep figging.