AusBonsai

i just bare roooted my elms and put them both ionto growing boxes i didnt cut the roots just bare rooted them,is this ok to do at this time of year?

It's probably not really ideal, but elms are pretty tough, so I wouldn't be too worried.

You should be fine Griffo. Make sure you keep the water up to them and a dose of Seasol won't do any harm. As a precaution keep them in shade for a couple of weeks, then gradually allowing more sun to get to them.

If you want to grow good bonsai you need to learn about tree species and their rhythms and growth cycles. When you disturb the roots on a tree it is best done during a season when its going to have the minimum impact on the trees growth. Sure you will get away with tampering with the roots on an elm at this time of year but the tree will stop growing for a period, if you root prune at the correct season it will just keep on growing. For deciduous trees tis is the season for working foliage. The late winter early spring is the season for working roots.
Craigw

Oops, Thanks guys,im worried now, i do have them in the sun but they are well watered......i pray there ok..please be ok!!

So should i take them out of the sun,i have them where they get sun from 11 am onwards??

They should be in full shade until you see strong signs of recovery

In ful shade or Dappled light ( under another tree) is where anything that has root work doen recently given our Sydney weather

these Hot sunny days will cook a tree htat does not have active growing roots to support it

Ken

Theres nothing like stepping out of the established square and doing the complete opposite of what you've been told, you'll be surprised at the results, just don't do it with anything thats too good to lose though

Its a pretty safe bet stepping out of the box with a chinese elm they are very forgiving trees but I wouldn't recommend trying it with other deciduous trees or you will inevitably end up with some very sick/dead bonsai.
Craigw

I have been bare rooting elms, Japanese maples, trident maples, junipers, red maples, cotoneaster, pyracantha, and a few other species that dont spring to mind at this time of year for ages. The instances where I have not cut any roots, I have not had any set back whatsoever, in fact - the trees just keep powering on! I have put these trees in full sun immediately with no ill effect. In fact I just did it to some red maple and chinese elm the last two weekends, they all now need to be trimmed again.

My motives for doing this at this time of year are purely commercial, I wouldnt be doing it to my personal trees.

I have also root pruned chinese elm at this time of year with no problem whatsoever, however I wouldnt try it with the maples.

Hi Leigh, so whats the advantage in bare rooting deciduous trees at this time of year as opposed to the conventional season ?
Craigw

Hi Craig,

Purely commercial. Logistically, I cannot create enough bonsai to sell at Christmas, so I will buy semi-prepared stock, neaten, trim, wire etc. and repot a month out from Christmas. I repot the trees without root pruning them, this timing allows me to create a fine bonsai for commercial sale at Christmas time.

I wouldn't do it this way if I had more time, and definately wouldn't do it with my personal collection.

thanks everyone,and thanksd leigh its mzade me feel a lot better,i didnt cut the roots either, but i have taken them out of the sun for a week or two..thankyou

after thinking i did a bad thing at the wrong time of year my elms are better than ever buds all over the place they have alot of vigour which is great,today i will put them out into full sun so they can grow even more....very happy