New Larch

[Nickuk74]

Hello,
I have just purchased a new Larch and have never chopped a tree. Just wondering how high and also, if I have missed the window this year?
Thanks,
Nick (UK)

Nick (UK)

 

[Kadebe]

I guess I would do a partial repot and let it grow to thicken the trunk a little more.
Next year the chop and the following year repot to remove the rest of the original soil....

But... I'm also a novice....

 

[Underdog]

I would guess now is the time to do both and I'd cut just above that thick(ish) branch on the right about 6 inches up and wire it as the new leader. But do it very soon as the buds look to be poppin.

 

[JeffS73]

Im assuming youre in the UK Nick, be careful if you repot as well, this cold snap could set it back or kill it if you do rootwork and leave it outside. If you decide to go for it, mulch it in or put in greenhouse or similar. Repotting late Summer / early Autumn also work for Larch, new roots can then harden up before frosts. Personally I would consider ground layering it, nebari on bought larch can be non existent.

 

[Nickuk74]

Im assuming youre in the UK Nick, be careful if you repot as well, this cold snap could set it back or kill it if you do rootwork and leave it outside. If you decide to go for it, mulch it in or put in greenhouse or similar. Repotting late Summer / early Autumn also work for Larch, new roots can then harden up before frosts. Personally I would consider ground layering it, nebari on bought larch can be non existent.

Thanks Jeff, I will check the nebari. I just had a little dig to make sure it didn't have inverse taper but didn't venture deep enough. I might go back and get a bigger one too as they had thicker trunks. Will leave the repot until later as the greenhouse is full of maples that i'm too scared to leave outside until the weather warms.

 

[leatherback]

But... I'm also a novice....

you know, there is a point where thats not true anymore..

 

[FinnLakk]

Where are you finding larches that big for 12 quid!?

My local nurseries are wanting £10+ for ones no thicker than a Sharpie.

Can't offer any information I'm afraid. I only have a couple young ones that are being grown out, one's throwing out new shoots and the others still asleep.

 

[Nickuk74]

Where are you finding larches that big for 12 quid!?

My local nurseries are wanting £10+ for ones no thicker than a Sharpie.

Can't offer any information I'm afraid. I only have a couple young ones that are being grown out, one's throwing out new shoots and the others still asleep.

It's called Rocky mountain Nurseries in Somerset. They have double the thickeness for £28 too. I'm thinking I should have been more bold!

 

[DrBonsai]

Ideally you would want to repot before the green popped out and the buds were still shiny spheres.
I think you could still chop it and do some branch selection.

 

[FinnLakk]

It's called Rocky mountain Nurseries in Somerset. They have double the thickeness for £28 too. I'm thinking I should have been more bold!

£28 seems like a steal for something that thick, not a lot of money either if you do accidentally kill it

I'm going to get in touch with them, I wonder how mad they'll think I am when I ask them to chop it in half before sending it to me, that should save a bit on postage don't think I can justify a 20 hour round trip...

 

[Nickuk74]

Just been back to the nursery and picked up a couple more. Bonsai is beoming an addiction!! I have air layered the Larches as an experiment. Also found a spruce I haven't seen before. £28 and £12.50 respectively. Fingers crossed!