Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do I have to use special bonsai soil?

If you want to, but it is not essential. Some people like to buy pre-made soil specifically formulated for bonsai. That gets expensive if you have dozens of trees in pots or in training. Many members of our group use a mix of sifted pine bark soil conditioner, fine gravel, and a little peat moss or coconut coir (husk fibers) as their everyday potting mix. A 100-gallon batch of this soil mix costs about $50, compared to $20-30 for a 2-3 quart bag of bonsai mix.

 

When should I repot trees?

In this area, trees should be repotted in early to mid-spring. When the first 80-degree days hit in May, the potting season is over. Some of us repot in mid-fall, but that is riskier given we can have early cold snaps.

 

When should I prune trees?

There is no one time that works for every tree species. The best way to find out when a particular species should be pruned is to consult a horticulture guide written specifically for the Southeast. NC State University Cooperative Extension has many good guides.

GENERALLY, major branch pruning should be done in spring during the same time that trees are repotted. Finer branches can be pruned spring through summer (with some exceptions). It is not a good idea to prune after cool weather begins in fall, so trees do not put on new growth just before frost.

Some trees should only be pruned when fully dormant, in mid- or late winter. It is never a good idea to prune trees during drought or when temperatures are very high.

 

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