Too late to repot this old crab apple?

[dacoontz]

Like the title says. I’m thinking I waited about a week or two too long. However, I’ve also read that crabapples and other flowering fruit bearing trees should be reported in the Fall. I believe I read it in a Colin Lewis book. Thoughts?

 

[leatherback]

I would repot, if a repot is due..

 

[Shibui]

I would have no problem repotting any deciduous bonsai even with leaves just emerging like this.
I have not tried fall repotting for deciduous but I know there are a number of experienced growers doing fall (late summer?) repotting now.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I tend to stick to the at buds swelling policy. What exactly is the reason for the repot?

 

[dacoontz]

Tree has been in the pot for several years. I just purchased it a couple months ago. It bore plenty of fruit last year but think it needs some more space to see if it can regain some vigor.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Perfect timing. Go for it.

 

[dacoontz]

Here’s a pic of the soil. Feels fairly compacted.

 

[dacoontz]

Thank you for the replies.

 

[ragenmoan]

I've had no problems repotting deciduous trees having budded out already. If you want to be safe, don't be to aggressive pruning roots. Just my opinion, the current pot seems too wide (and maybe too shallow?) I think there is still time root trim and put into a lees wide deeper pot. Also need to get rid of all that moss and penny wort off the soil and away from the tree to prevent trunk rot.

 

[Lazylightningny]

that's a nice little tree. i'd love to see a whole picture of it.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

Here’s a pic of the soil. Feels fairly compacted.

I agree with the general consensus here that a repot at this time should be fine. Just watch if you get some freakish late winter cold front and provide it with protection if needed.

Also I agree the soil looks pretty compacted. Liverworts on the surface of the soil usually indicate time to repot.

 

[dacoontz]

Cool, I’ll get to it. I’ll post a new pic when repotted. Any opinions on pot color? I was going to find something a bit more feminine, maybe round with some feminine feet.

Thanks again.

 

[Don Blackmond]

The stage of growth would not stop me if I thought it needed to be repotted. Its not entirely clear from the photos but it looks like the bottom branch is dead and it may have scale insects.

 

[ragenmoan]

Cool, I’ll get to it. I’ll post a new pic when repotted. Any opinions on pot color? I was going to find something a bit more feminine, maybe round with some feminine feet.

Thanks again.

What color where the flowers and fruit?

 

[dacoontz]

What color where the flowers and fruit?

Light pink flowers and red crab apples.

 

[ragenmoan]

Light pink flowers and red crab apples.

I think a blue pot would contrast the flowers and fruit well.

 

[dacoontz]

I think a blue pot would contrast the flowers and fruit well.

That’s what I was thinking too.
Maybe this one.

 

[ragenmoan]

That’s what I was thinking too.
Maybe this one.

View attachment 355092

Color is a good match. How wide is it? 2/3rds the height of the tree is about right.

 

[Potawatomi13]

Be aware late hard freeze very possible which will kill. Is protection possible?

 

[dacoontz]

Be aware late hard freeze very possible which will kill. Is protection possible?

Yes, I can keep it in my shop or it’s usual home is covered in plastic. Thank you for the forewarning.