Bare Rooting Ginko?

[Tidal Bonsai]

I am getting a Ginko that is in a very large nursery can of organic nursery soil. When repotting a Ginko from nursery soil, do you bare root it like other deciduous trees? I will also reduce the root ball by 1/3-1/2, so is it a better strategy to half bare root this year?

 

[Oliver Muscio]

I find gingko to be fairly active root-growers, so I don't think you need to be too cautious about bare-rooting them, so long as you leave a good number of roots. Try to cut away as much as you can directly below the trunk. They grow out there and make it difficult to get the tree into a reasonably shallow bonsai pot when you are ready for that.
Oliver

 

[RobertB]

I just bare rooted a nursery find today.

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

I bare rooted and repotted the Chi Chi Ginko today at Bonsai Dreams (a members backyard nursery). We removed the downward growing roots, removed the little bit of nursery soil that was left in the root system, and spread the surface roots. We were able to repot from a big nursery can to an Anderson Flat. Then the tree was brought back home to chill in my shed until winter finally breaks. My son was helping to flatten out the soil, and had a great time.

The tree has a 2 inch wide base and a 4+ inch wide nebari. I am leaving the top alone until the tree heals from the root work. In the fall or following spring, I will start working on the design.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Love my ginkgo! Congrats! The fall color is like none other...the palest of yellow.

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

Some detail shots in the flat.

 

[Cadillactaste]

How tall is it currently? Have you given any thought to cutting it back? I must admit...the ginkgo is one of my favorites on the bench.

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

How tall is it currently? Have you given any thought to cutting it back? I must admit...the ginkgo is one of my favorites on the bench.

The tree is about 4 feet tall at its highest point right now. It's due for a cut back, but I wanted it to recover from the root work before I do too much to the top. The top of that very strong leader is most likely going to go once the plant leafs out and gets into energy positive in about one-two months.

The rest of the tree will be left alone until the fall or following spring. I have three strong branches coming from the same point (circled in green), so at least 1-2 must go eventually. I can't wait to get to work!

 

[Cadillactaste]

Good direction! Yes, most likely wise to allow it to recover and pushing growth.

 

[bwaynef]

I know you said you're still working on the design, but was wondering if you were going for the typical flame shape or a more informal upright shape.

 

[Johnnyd]

Looks like you got some real nice material . Love the color of Ginkos!

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

I see a long, elegant, informal upright in this trees future. These photos all gave me ideas/inspiration.

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

This is the front and big cut I am thinking as of now.