AusBonsai

The clump has gone through several variants over the years. Some parts died, others air layered and some grew really well. I’m still removing the heavy clay around the base of the clump after 6 odd years. When I removed too much at once, I found it really set the trees back. They were dug from heavy swampy ground and love the water.
It has now been broken up into 3 parts.

Nice looking trees Terry. I believe yamadori trees make excellent natural looking bonsai. But IMHO they looked better as a group. But that's only my opinion on seeing the separate trees in photos. In real life it may be a different story. Keep up the good (and patient) work.
Cheers, Frank.

Awesome tree's!
Really showing some age with the beautiful bark now.
Keep it up!

Terrific work Terry ,love the direction you have taken these. Beautiful Natural Trees. Cheers John.

Thanks for the update Terry. Cool back story too! That's the beauty of this forum - being able to see where the trees started and the progression over time. Loved them together and they work separately too. Cheers, Mark

This one had a an early summer trim today

Great Tree Terry ,nearly time for a good Aussie pot. .Still have the other two ? Cheers John.

This species of Melaleuca sure know how to fill a pot with roots. This is the second time I’ve root pruned this growing season. I’ve found if you leave them root bound they tend to sulk and don’t grow freely and can start to shed leaves and die back.
The bark on this one is particularly nice and starting to split away in layers.

This species of Melaleuca sure know how to fill a pot with roots. This is the second time I’ve root pruned this growing season. I’ve found if you leave them root bound they tend to sulk and don’t grow freely and can start to shed leaves and die back.

Now that's an interesting observation. Most assume that root pruning is detrimental and postpone the procedure as long as possible however I have noted a similar response in banksias. Annual root pruning seems to keep them in better health.

Definitely some food for thought. I wonder how many other species would benefit from more regular root pruning?

Shibui. I also have a large Banksia that can fill a pot with roots very quickly, and responds extremely well after root pruning. I generally only take all the matted roots away from sides and bottom of pot as depicted in the above photos.

Top tree and a very interesting, instructive thread. Thanks Terry.


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Do you know what variety of Melaleuca it is Terry? It seems similar to M. bracteata to me. It's certainly looking good after that root pruning!

Melbrackstone, don’t know what variety it is. Came from swampy land being drained and cleared for housing estate. Be happy if someone can identify it.

Beaut tree Terry, it looks like something you’d see in the wild. I’ll second the call for a new pot, something that reflects the colours of the swamp where you collected it!

Matt.

Love this tree. So distinctly Australian. Great bark.

Thread is a good read too. Thanks Terry.

Terry wrote: ↑January 27th, 2020, 3:26 pm I generally only take all the matted roots away from sides and bottom of pot as depicted in the above photos.

Perhaps a silly question... but.. do the matted roots just tease away easily to be separated and removed or do you just essentially cut around the margins of the mass with root scissors?

Also wondering whether those with experience would recommend same for pot-bound old(ish) nursery stock Mels? Have just picked some up and I’m thinking that is probably the best initial step for bonsai training. All are healthy, just bound up.

Thanks

DD