Zelkova
Serrata - Grey Bark Elm
Progression Series
This
Zelkova Serrata was purchased in May 2006 from a local nursery.
Following health problems in summer 2006 the Zelkova dropped
all its leaves and although there were signs of recovery by
the end of summer I took the risk of repotting the tree to
make sure the soil mixture was good and that the roots were
healthy enough to survive the winter.
click
on images to enlarge
The
first step was to cut away all the die-back that the tree had
and to prepare the soil for repotting. The soil mixture used
was 1 part soil, 1 part compost, 2 parts sand.
The
tree was extracted from the pot and the roots checked. At first
glance the root system seemed healthy with no signs of rot.
A
decision had to be taken whether to continue or not and the
decision was to continue with the repotting.
After
the soil had been removed and the roots completely exposed a
decision was taken as to which roots could be pruned.
The
roots were pruned and the pot cleaned and prepared with the
necessary gauze and wire to hold the tree in place after repotting.
The
tree was put back in place and secured to the pot. The soil
mixture was then put into the pot making sure that it was worked
in between the roots.
The
tree was then watered and put outside in a well-sheltered place.
Since then it seems to be doing well and the weather seems to
b helping too.
