AusBonsai

Hello All,

I must say it's been a long time since I have posted antyhing....

I have a question....

I have a twelve year old ginko. (that I bought as a $5 stick from the bonsai nursery at Vineyard, Sydney) It is now in a 35-30 litre pot, with nothing done to it over the time, just has been repotted into a bigger pot.
My question is, How can I saftely repot the tree? I believe that Gingko's are so slow growing & I'm afraid that, it's such a great looking tree, I may damage it in some way...
The plan is that, the tree, will be the first I plant, when I finally buy my own property, (so it's not going to be a bonsai!) I'm thinking of cutting back the roots, but not any of the branches, and re-potting it in bonsai soil with equal part premium soil from Australian Native Landscapes...

Does anyone know, when (and if) you buy an advanced tree, do they come bare rooted?

Questions, questions, questions, but I am just so hesitant with this tree. If it was a trident maple etc, no problem, but this one??....

Any help will be appreicated...

Cheers
Ripley

Hi Ripley,
I have found gingko have no problems with repotting or root pruning. They are slow growing but can tolerate root pruning well. I have taken quite a lot of roots off without ill affect on the trees. In my area they are just about as hardy as trident maple except when planted in the ground. They need really good soil, water and maybe a bit of shade. We finally have 2 growing really well after 6 attempts. I'd check soil pH I don't think they like acid soils but not sure on that

I have not seen bare rooted gingko but they should be available at the same time as any other deciduous trees - as soon as they have lost the leaves. I have also dug up bare gingkos in winter without a problem.
If you are putting it in a large pot you could just use ANL mix. For grow pots I just use ANL mix straight with osmocote added for fert.
Hope that answers the questions

Hi Rip'. The best time to do any major work on the roots with deciduous trees, including gingko, is at the end of winter just before bud burst.
Jeff

Hey Ripley,

Ginkgo develop a lignotuberous type growth & will tolerate heavy root pruning if done just before bud break. It is better to keep them on the dryside after repotting to ensure rot doesnt set in. Pot up any thicker roots as they will grow quite readily.

They are often sold bare root within the trade but I have not come across them available to retail as bare root stock.

You have already said your not growing it to bonsai but I would be interested to see how far it has come in the last 12yrs. I ground grew one for 8yrs before potting on, it died 2yrs later when I left it in anothers care, I still miss that tree...

Matt