When to repot Pinus radiata for the first time?

[Piscineidiot]

Hi guys,

I'm just wondering whether six months is long enough between a first styling and first repot for a nursery stock Pinus radiata.

It's a fairly old tree, probably 10-15 years old, and I removed quite a lot of its foliage (approx. 60%) during its first styling (which was a couple weeks ago). It seems to be doing fairly well, but I'm not sure how long I need to allow it to recuperate before the substantial root work that would be necessary to get it into a pot (it's in a big nursery pot at the moment).

I've looked everywhere online and in the wiki etc., and while there are tips for when to repot etc., that's mostly in reference to trees that have already been worked over. I'm struggling to find any reference to what best practice is for nursery stock (aside from the 'one insult per year' one-liner).

Any other information anyone could provide regarding after-care would be appreciated too. It's certainly not a topic that seems to be discussed often enough, though arguably, it's probably the most important thing if you want your newly styled tree to live long enough to become a beautiful bonsai.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,

Owen

[bodhidharma]

I am working on Radiata (Monterey pine) and usually repot in early October. I have found that you can work them heavily one year and repot the next. I heavily styled mine a month ago after repot last October and they are doing fine.

[Piscineidiot]

Thanks bodhi, much appreciated! So I take it that 6-7 months is enough recovery time, or do you think it's more about the seasons?

[bodhidharma]

No, i think the recovery time is adequate but i would be more confident about the monthly timing and wait till October. Having said that i have potted Pines no problem in Autumn......but not Radiata.

[Piscineidiot]

Great, thanks Bodhi. I shall wait until October and see how it looks at that point. Thanks again for the tip. Can't find information like that anywhere.

Cheers,

Owen