I’d been keeping a close eye on my very large Larch; new growth has started with swelling buds starting to show signs of green from about ten days ago but very little advancement since then despite it warming up some.
I decided to run with it and remove the tree from the pot to see what was going on down under!
The Larch had been re-potted three years ago and the pot was more than enough to last for a period of three years. Whilst Larch are generally good with frosts and cold weather I was not prepared for what was going to greet me after removing the tree from its current home.
Once removed which was simplicity, most of the soil fell away quite easily and on first glance no alarm bells started ringing.
There are great swathes of black roots which clearly have taken a beating during the December freeze.
Before I went any further I had wanted to remove this crossing root for some years, so decided now was the time. I must be honest as this progresses, I’m not actually expecting the tree to survive; now then seemed a time for, ‘oh well,might as well get on with it’.
I’m using cutters to ensure a sharp cut. Once removed the end will be sealed.
Here is the initial pile of dead and decaying roots. By the time I’m finished it was twice the size.
These are simply dead.
I’m now starting to get rather disheartened; clearly the tree has greatly suffered over two horrendous winters. I am now at the stage having removed by hand all dead and decayed roots of the remaining root ball. ‘Ball’ is definitely not the correct word to use.
I cut back to the live areas. The rear 25% of the tree has no roots whatsoever. A significant branch died after the winter of 2008/9. The bottom of the trunk is bare so at least earlier works conducted over twenty odd years have given me just lateral roots.
The pile is now enough to pack into a large bucket. The spray bottle can be seen next to the dead roots.
I’ve now removed all the obvious dead roots. You can see the absence at the rear of the tree in this next image, and what I am left to work with. I still need to go slightly further in on the roots and cut out the remaining decayed areas with a small pair of scissors.
I’ve now completed removal of everything dead, and this is what I am left with.
I still have a small amount of snipping to finish off with. I have been keeping the roots moist throughout the process; I can’t afford to lose anymore than is essential! My soil mix is fairly open and contains copious amounts of previously moistened sphagnum moss. I have decided to use a spare round Mica pot that I have. This is a 21″ diameter pot. The Larch is secured into the soil and I then spend a while making certain all roots are well covered.
I have located the tree in the shade and under cover. I can now do absolutely nothing but wait. if nothing is happening (from a positive standpoint) in 3-6 weeks then sadly after twenty-five years it will be time to say goodbye to an old friend. I had intended to air-layer the top third in late spring to create a much smaller Larch. I had then in mind to carve the remaining tree top to make a smaller (in height) tree.
Heavy pruning in hard this year as new growth arrived to replace some of the thicker areas was also on the cards.
Those plans will have to wait however.
Oh Mike, what a tragedy! But have faith in mother nature and the regenerative powers of most trees – it’s in the best hands it can be with you. If anyone can do it you can! Good luck Mike. Good luck larch!
John .
Thank you John that was very kind. Just time now.
You’ve done all you can. With good after care I think it’ll survive in some shape or form. You may loose ramification or even some branches. Fingers crossed it pulls through for you.
Thanks Ian; just goes to show how we can never be too cautious when it comes to Mother-Nature. I heard on the radio this morning you were supposed to get up to 4`’ of snow!!!! When will this winter finish?
How’s the tree doing now?
Not great; far from it actually. It is putting up a good fight but sincerely I cannot see it being strong enough to withstand the next winter. 20% of the new growth has died back and not one shoot/extension can be seen; just literally the buds that were there originally. Winter ravaged this Larch which is to some degree unusual. Larch are mostly capable of handling all but the lowest and prolonged of English winters. That -14c over two nights and daytime barely reaching -7c took a toll, added to that almost four consecutive weeks of sub zero (despite taking it into my unheated workshop, which was as it happens only about two degrees ‘warmer.’
There is sadly nothing I can do other than wait. Care is at an optimum level, not too wet nor dry, sheltered from wind and fierce direct sun, just some early morning and tea-time dappled sun. It is such a shame, as I have worked this tree for many many years.
Thanks for asking though. I fear it is just a slow and prolonged eventual demise.
Mike
Dear Mike,
I had some problems with a new larch (taken from nature this year to be grown as bonsai). After collecting it in spring, the needles increased slightly in size, and then the growth seized completely… Since larches have a secondary growth of shoots in middle of summer, it finally recovers the last days and has new green lively shoots! I hope in between the happened with your larch, i.e. that it recovers!… I don’t know how cold is the weather where you live, but down to -10C it should not be a problem for roots, at least for such a big tree and rather big pot. You can always provide some protection for the roots for next winter just in case (flish jackets for bonsais can be found in internet). Warmest wishes for your precious tree to survive! Larch is my favourite species and I feel your concern about its survival!
A last remark: potassium is supposed to be important for the strength of larch for the following winter. You may fertilize your bonsai until end of September using water with some diluted K in it.