Now winter has well and truly arrived, it’s time to get going with the repotting of deciduous trees, if you haven’t already started.

Some of the species you should be working on include crab-apples, maples, elms, wisteria, flowering prunus of all types and ashes. Bear in mind with flowering bonsai, that any trimming you do to the tops of the tree will reduce the quantity of flowers you have in spring. Any severe pruning of the top should wait until after flowering has finished.

Keep clearing up any wayward weeds and fallen leaves and continue vigilance with watering. Care needs to be taken not to overwater during winter, as this may lead to fungal root problems. Deciduous trees in particular, are much slower to dry out while they are in their dormant phase.

Check and remove or rewire any of your trees that have been wired during the growing season. Winter is also a good time to check the outline of deciduous trees while leaves are not blocking your view and trim back as appropriate. If possible, always make sure that you prune back to a spot just above a bud pointing in the direction where you want to see future growth.

Happy repotting!