better ways of securing trees

well... i suppose this is the best place to post this...

one of our arbor arts collective members, steve was teaching an intermediate class and i was fortunate enough to be able to film a small portion which some of you may find helpful... basically, it is some tips on how to better secure our trees into our pots...

the original post is on the AAC blog:

http://arborartscollective.blogspot.com/2017/03/tie-down-demo.html

comments by non AAC members are welcome on the blog.

I am so pleased you posted this, it has really improved my approach to how I tie trees in pots.

But one technique that I am finding I really like is to use zip ties. Fast, easy, cheap and they don't cut into the roots.

Kevin,

I am posting this as a caution.

Depending on your plant, after a year or two or three, the roots should have mastered the soil to the point of
taking on the internal shape of the pot.

Ties are for special situations, like bare rooted plants or extremely unstable top shapes.

If however you are getting plants for repotting without the internal shape [ as explained above ] something
may be wrong, soil, plant care, etc.
Please be careful.
Until.
Khaimraj


Here is what happens with a 50+ year old Chinese started Fukien Tea after a year of growing.
To repot, up to 2" [ 5 cm ] can be cut off on the sides and underneath.
The leftover mass requires no tie as it is too heavy.

Soil is 2/3 5 mm inorganic  and 1/3 organic [ by volume ]

yes... khai... the techniques of securing the tree (or not) need to fit the circumstances of the individual tree...

several of my trees are not secured at all and some are like a scene from a bondage movie