Larix decidua (European larch)

Hi

I want to show you the progress of a European Larch i collected in spring 2010. The tree hat some very long (50cm) an thick roots. So i had to plant this tree in an pot that is 60 cm wide.
This is not good, because the substrate does not dry as fast as i want and the European larch does not like it too wet.

The tree after collecting.


The larch was growing well in the first year, so i decided to cut back the thick roots that is possible to plant the larch in a smaller pot.

15. March 2011.
We had a warm spring and the buds just opend. This is the moment when i repot larches.





Here you see one of the long and thick roots. Larches save energy in this roots, so it is important not to cut this roots just after collecting.



I decided to cut at the half.


Now i could plant her in an smaller pot.

After cutting the long roots the growth of the larch was not really good in 2011. The tree just made a few long drives on the left side.



This is the planed front view. The left trunk i signed red is dead. All the branches grow on the right trunk.



In autumn 2011 the tree was healthy but not really strong.
So i decided not to repot the larch in 2012 and i let her grow free in 2012. In autumn 2012 the larch was strong again and the tree made many long drives.

In winter 2012/13 i was cutting the branches i do not need for the design.



So in spring 2013 the tree was healthy enough for the next repoting and reduce the thick roots.



The tree did not make as much roots near and under the trunk as i wanted. So i could not reduce the roots as planned near the trunk.

Just cut as much as possible for the health of the tree.



To stimulate the tree to make roots near the trunk, i drilled a wire round the root. It is a more gentle technique of airlayering. I dit not want to remove the bark as i do it normaly when i airlayer the roots of a larche. Because there the tree must be really strong an healthy.



But on the backside was a smaller root that is also too long. This root is not so important for the tree, so i decided to airlayer as usual.

2013 the larch was growing well and she was healthy.

January 2014



The deadwood at the base of the trunk is very old and it was a little bit rotting. So i had to remove the rotting parts and to save it.





To save deadwood i use synthetic resin that i thin with a special thinner. I buy things at a paintershop. They use it for th colours to paint the house outside. it absorbs well and does not shine.

In March 2014 it was time to look again if it is possible to reduce the roots again.


The tree did not make as much roots as i expected but i could reduce them so that i could plant the larch in a smaller pot.





2014 the larch was growing well, so that i could start a few days ago to beginn with the design of the tree.









I´m looking foward to the further progress of this tree.

I hope you enjoy.

Herbert Aigner

Wonderful technique and very informative Herbert. Your threads are very much appreciated for their artistic and horticultural value. Well done I just love your trees..

very instructive, thank you!

Great job!

Thanks Herbert for this job very instructive.

I ask you, that Earth did you use during repotting?

I repot larch only use pumice is very draining, and you?

Congratulations for the good work.

Ciao Daniel .

Thank you for your comments.

@ Daniel: I use 30:70 Akadama and Pumice and some charcoal.

ciao
Herbert

Thank you Herbert of your answer, the charcoal from wood I use it I also mixed with pumice.

Good job, I still see your interesting post.

Ciao Daniele

A nice moment in spring. I love it.

Larix decidua. 45 cm high.



ciao
Herbert Aigner

An inspiring progression! I have a larch with similar roots that need to be reduced and have tagged your post for reference. I really like your Larch, a beautiful tree styled beautifully. Thanks for posting.