Quite often a tree in its training will need to be lowered into a shallower pot. Bart Thomas shows a sequence cutting off the basal trunk to lower a Ficus salicifolia into a shallower pot.
Ficus in its deep growing container.
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Bart states "I removed about 1 1/2" of the bottom of the trunk (in two 3/4" cuts).
Well, at least I'll be able to figure the age of the tree!
This cut was made August 1st.
Tree on its side before saw cut to base of trunk.
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Bottom of tree showing sawed surface and remaining roots.
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Two weeks later, planted lower in its new container.
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Thanks to Jim Smith and JVL, who talked me into it. If I contemplate doing this on future trees, I will scar them below the new soil line and dust with rooting hormone before potting down in order to get more roots closer to the surface. Here's a snap shot of the tree taken this morning (between raindrops) - 2 weeks after the operation. I lost one branch tip (broken) as a result of the procedure. No leaf has so much as curled."
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