AusBonsai

looks like bonsai techniques have leaked out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9yiJciv ... re=related

got to wonder, if a compressor would work with bonsai for a similar method, rather than a root rake? maybe less damage that way? Might have to have a play next year.... what do you think?

If it doesn't hurt, give it a go!
Please let me know the outcome

I'll dig up a chinese elm in a sec, I've got some spare... I'll have to spade it approx 1 ft from the trunk, then blow it... I guess in some ways, depends on how moist the soil is.

Cool, sound like fun!

ok, dug up an elm, got to love those roots.. first I'll say that we are on heavy clay here, so a brief, not violent shake, dislodged most of the dirt (however, with something like an azalea, this would not be the case. I then used the compressor to blow away any extra soil, it was very effective leaving no damage and no soil. I can see that this would be very useful for fine rooted stuff, or stuff with touchy roots Pines? I have photos, if you are interested in seeing them, but, have to say, that most of the soil fell away in the first place. it was very good for getting the soil out from between close growing roots. and in my opinion the photos don't really show much.

I'm glad to hear that it works. I just dug up 3 hug groups of lavender stars but lost most of the roots in the first place so can't really try the method

I think, that it would be a more useful tool for repotting existing bonsai, more so than digging up trees out of the ground.

I agree. Remember to wear your goggles when you do this!

Wouldn't this have the same effect as running water over the roots to dislodge soil? When I transplant nursery stock into my substrate medium, I wash away as much of the original potting soil as possible and have had no dramas thus far. What do you guys think?

Doesn't anybody think shooting compressed air onto roots to bare root a tree could dry the roots out?

Cheers,
Mojo

OK, I can't watch the vid at work, but I find a bath of off-cold water works well for cleaning up roots. just shake the tree around a bit and Bob's your uncle. Interesting technique I learnt last week was to take a bare rooted tree, in this case it was a Juniper and "dust" the roots with really fine potting mix (the bits that settle to the bottom of the mix container). This coats the root hairs and prevents them from drying out too quickly during the potting process and in the future. First time I've seen or heard of it, but it kinda makes sense.

I would love to see that device in action but fort bonsai a jet of water works well for me and don't know why you would substitute compressed air?

Bretts wrote:I would love to see that device in action but fort bonsai a jet of water works well for me and don't know why you would substitute compressed air?

I am guessing air is more readily available and makes a hell of a lot less mess! For bonsai of course, I'd agree with you!

I imaging in the water preserving world, air will have less environmental impact, but yea I reckon it will draw the moisture out of the roots

Next time i collect huge tree I might try it out.

Ken