Urban yamadori podocarpus

[tree4me]

First, since i apparently posted this in the wrong forum. I thought I'd move it here.

I have the opportunity to dig several 25 - 30 year old podocarpus from a hedgerow. Any thing I should be aware with this species as I have never tried them before but its an opportunity i don't want to pass up. Several have bases a least 12" across at the mulch level.
Thank in advance for any input.

Second, I collected 1 tree for now to see how it does this spring. See photos. There was no tap root but 4 substantial side roots and a few roots close to the trunk. I cut the larger roots and removed most of the branches. This was last weekend,2/23/13.

we'll see how she grows.

 

[marcosolo]

Confused

Great find....wish I was as lucky...But I am confused on one thing...Why are you constraining him to such a small pot when growth should be a priority at this point?

 

[Poink88]

Why are you constraining him to such a small pot when growth should be a priority at this point?

I agree. It will recover & develop much faster in a bigger container.

Very nice tree!

 

[tree4me]

When I collected it I was not sure what I would find root wise. This was the biggest pot I had and the tree had been dug up over an hour. So it was a quick planting. right now I am sticking with collecting only this one until I see how it reacts. I'm hoping it will react well and develop more roots as not a lot were close to the trunk. They were mostly coming from the large roots on the sides.

 

[A Random User]

When I collected it I was not sure what I would find root wise. This was the biggest pot I had and the tree had been dug up over an hour. So it was a quick planting. right now I am sticking with collecting only this one until I see how it reacts. I'm hoping it will react well and develop more roots as not a lot were close to the trunk. They were mostly coming from the large roots on the sides.

The small feeder roots around the base of the trunk are what you are wanting...

The problem with these is it might be months before you find out
it didn't make it... The foilage will stay green long after the plant is dead.

But good luck !!! Hope it works...

 

[marcosolo]

The small feeder roots around the base of the trunk are what you are wanting...

The problem with these is it might be months before you find out
it didn't make it... The foilage will stay green long after the plant is dead.

But good luck !!! Hope it works...

^^^So true with these trees......Learned the hard way a few times...If it does take, I suggest grafting some a small leaf/needle variant onto areas selected for branching..The standard macrophyllus just has too large of a needle/leaf for anything under 3 feet tall IMO.....Some variants are ridiculously small....I believe microphyllus is a good one, although I might be wrong on the nomenclature...It's been awhile...lol

 

[tree4me]

is there anyway to promote or induce the new feeder roots?

 

[small trees]

is there anyway to promote or induce the new feeder roots?

Planting in a coarse medium will encourage feeder roots. Also, chopping any large roots that travel down or straight away from the tree will make the tree produce roots closer to the trunk. I would make sure the tree is healthy and established before doing this, however.

 

[NewWorldBonsai]

Really nice base! I have much better survival on my collected podos when I place them in the shade and keep them well watered.

I've heard mixed advice on how hard to prune them- Only time will tell.