Page 43 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

Basic care 43

the tree. They also have a negative impact on soil
microbiology because they kill off beneficial bacteria
and mycorrhizal fungi that promote healthy growth.
Although vigorous growth can be achieved, there is
a difference between vigorous and healthy growth.
Healthy trees can withstand drought, disease, and
damage; a tree cultivated on inorganic fertilizer may
be vigorous but it is rarely healthy.

When applying fertilizer, keep two objectives in mind:
the requirement of the tree for healthy growth, and
your own desire for aesthetically pleasing growth.
When a tree has reached maturity and a finished
image, it is unwise to push the tree to grow hard by
fertilizing heavily. Similarly, when looking to thicken
up the trunk of raw material, providing the tree with
more resources will expedite the process.

For deciduous trees at the stage of leaf size reduction,
node length reduction, and creating ramification,
careful use of fertilizer is essential. A high dose of
nitrogen early in spring will result in uncontrollable
growth, large leaves, and coarse branch tips. Instead,
fertilize lightly once the shoots have been pinched
and the leaves have hardened off, and then heavily in
the fall with organic high P:K fertilizer.

Pellets of slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil surface
may need plastic covering to protect them from birds.

Everyday tasks

Water the soil—and the tree’s roots Weeding regularly is an opportunity Remove dead material to keep it
—rather than the foliage, and adjust to give your tree a health check, and from rotting on the tree and leaving
the amount according to the weather. can prevent problems from starting. a foothold for pests and disease.