Page 165 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

Keshiki cotoneaster 165

Prepare the tree

1 Inspect the base, removing
any moss that is in the way. Remove branches from
Always do this when styling inside the trunk; shoots on
the outside of curves are
a tree for the first time: a more pleasing to the eye
major problem or plus point
with the roots will affect the
design of the tree.

2 Style the tree. Remove
lower branches, dead stumps,
and unnecessary shoots.
Stand back to consider the
planting angle and position
of the front. For a low-
maintenance clip-and-grow 1 2
approach, keep wiring to
a minimum.

3 Choose the front, set the
tree at the correct angle, and
prune more of the branches
to shape. Look to remove
branches that are growing
in undesirable directions.

4 Continue to assess the tree
as you prune. Here, the aim
is to leave as many berries on
the cotoneaster as possible to
be enjoyed when the styling
is complete. 3 4

5 Take the tree out of its pot
and start to reduce the root
ball. Use a root claw to
remove the soil and tease out
the roots. Try to keep the root
ball intact, working around it
to create a spherical shape.

6 Prune back the fine roots
with scissors to create a
roughly spherical root ball.

5 6