P. Strobus suggestions

[Potawatomi13]

Rootage problems covered in Bonsai Techniques II, first chapter. However personal idea came from young personal tree. Has 4 nearly parallel straight roots at bottom of trunk. Decided to let fuse together for bigger tree base. This proceeds well. Your tree would take longer but make much better base than presently. If wishing to see expensive book consider getting inter Library loan. Before buying did this several(30?)years ago.

 

[Eckhoffw]

I figured it Was time to bite the bullet, and take a look at the gnarly roots below the soil.
Brace yourselves!

Wow! This poor thing was in pretty crappy soil!
Raking out……OOF Da!
What do you do with a kangaroo?
Sort out the roots best I could. trimmed back the longest roots.

Bury it deeper
Hopefully a better soil will improve the root system. In another 3 yrs. I’ll revisit.

 

[Crazy Diamond]

Ouch well... Not the worst Ive seen xD maybe aproach rootgrafts with 1-2 year old seedlings could be a option?

 

[tangledtanuki]

Silly question but couldn't you develop the tree as an exposed root?

 

[Eckhoffw]

Silly question but couldn't you develop the tree as an exposed root?

Ha! Yes! I’ve kicked that idea around. I was thinking maybe also placing on a cliff - like roots over/in rock side setting!

 

[vancehanna]

I would definitely sort out those gorgeous roots and yes, root over rock or down the sod of a wall type rock!!
Cut and bend with wire just like branches..

man in the process (half way) of candle cutting on my Ms Michigami ( thank you Dr. Myank Vora for the name suggestion) and she’s looking quite lovely
First photo shows existing candles on top layers. Second (middle layers) was cut 5 days ago.
I expect to see tiny buds forming down below but will definitely stretch out the time for the final cutting of the top candles.

 

[tangledtanuki]

Ha! Yes! I’ve kicked that idea around. I was thinking maybe also placing on a cliff - like roots over/in rock side setting!

Lean in I would say. I like to work with what the tree gives you instead of removing and trying to change it to what you want. It'll be much more interesting for it.

 

[Eckhoffw]

This one faded all season. I believe it never recovered from the repot then lost a Pine scale battle.