Taxus cuspidata ‘nana’ Planting Angle Adjustment
The main purpose of this repot was not horticultural, but rather to adjust the planting angle of this Dwarf Japanese Yew. It has been tough to get this tree at the right angle due to the presence of thick sections of downward growing trunk which I have been rather timidly chipping away at (the tree was developed as a ground layer). You can read more about the history of this tree in my progressions page. This tree has been slow to develop, largely due to the long period of time spent replacing the root system. It is finally at the point now where I can solely focus on its development as a bonsai. It does admittedly have a few years to go before it is show ready.
The tree last spring. The tree looks unstable at this angle, and the direction of the first branch is upward. This branch will be pulled down eventually, but correcting the planting angle will reduce the degree to which the branch has to be lowered.
The tree before repotting, propped up at the intended angle.
After grinding away some of the offending 'root' (which is actually a section of trunk from where the ground layer was separated). Yew develop fantastically dense fibrous root systems. It is important to really open them up during repotting so soil can be worked in. The final bits of original nursery clay were also hosed away.
The result. I believe that this is the best angle for this tree. It also went into an aged yamaaki pot which may look a bit small right now, but I think will be ideal when the intended silhouette of the tree is achieved.
This tree will not be repotted again for several years.
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