Mature Mugo Pine - Pictures if needed

Hello All,

I am new to Bonsai and I have a question about extracting a Large Mature 25-30 year old mugo Pine. My father-in-law is going to be replacing alot of their current shrubs and mugo pines next year because they have grown out of control. The mugo pine I am looking at is quite large and very healthy, It is about 10" at its base and has some really great branching. What are the chances of extracting this tree and having it survive? Has anyone down this successfully? Any tips for me to apply over the next year so I will have success?

Thanks

You'll probably need help and a backhoe. MY chance of doing successfully would be nil.

Moving this to bonsai questions.

Thanks Jim! That may be what will happen for sure.

If you decide to have a go at it, August is prime time. Meanwhile, you could do a little exploratory digging to get an idea of see how big the root pad will be.

OR, you might try to root prune it to a manageable size. You would just use a sharp spade and would alternately cut all the roots in a spade width and skip a spade width around the tree, at a distance (say 12 inches) from the trunk. The roots you cut with the spade should regenerate fine roots at the cuts, so in 2016 you cut the others to lift out a smaller (say 24 inch diameter) root pad. You will also need to slice once or twice underneith the trunk. The roots you don't cut will keep the tree alive while the ones you cut regenerate closer to the trunk.

As Jim indicated, it will be a lot of hard work, but your description indicates that it might be worth it. Just doing the root pruning may kill your desire/determination to make this into a bonsai and is probably a good way for you to answer your own question. Again,August is prime time for root pruning, digging and transplanting mugos.

BTW, you will also need to build a substantial wooden planter box for it before you dig it out and plan how you will guy the tree to the box, so that the roots won't get moved around inside it.


You know you are crazy, don't you? But that is what it takes to succeed - don't be afraid. Plan, do, check, act - repeat. I've been at this a few years, learned a few things by just PDCA. I'd like to have an opportunity like you've got. You really have nothing to loose other than some temporary sore muscles and scraped knuckles.

If you haven't already, take a look at Walter Pall's Bonsai Gallery to see some fabulous mugo yamadori. Pavel Slovak has a number of jaw dropping ones too. What might be yours

This is great information. I am a bit crazy but excited about the challenge. Thanks for the advice. If I actually extract it and it lives I will submit some pictures. Any additional information is appreciated. I also love the other Bonsai examples. I am amazed!

PM Vance Wood about Mugos.....he's a member here and bleeds Mugo pitch....