Bonsaing an Oak Tree

I have an oak tree I grew from an acorn in a large pot. It is now 12 years old an about 6ft tall. I want to keep it but truly have nowhere to plant it to advantage. I wondered as it has been in a pot so long and the leaves are not huge could I cut it down to about six inches to produce a head of branches then prune the roots and make a bonsai out of it. Would it work?

 

Hi Granny

My opinion is that yes you can cut it down but personally I would not do it to six inches .. I would suggest about a foot ... assuming you have some side shoots thereabouts. You need to be very cautious and careful how you do this because you then want it shooting out from where you have cut to create a new 'head' to the tree. Yes, you can also lift the tree and drastically cut back the roots. This must be done in the Autumn and when the plant is totally dry and you have removed all the soil from it. Drastically cut back to whatever size you choose your tree to be ... this is a difficult one to explain. Then you must replant this tree you have now 'massacred' into a good compost and nuture and baby it all winter ... on a daily basis. With some luckl it may survive with your TLC and then you can continue with its life as a Bonsai.

It would have been better had you done this years ago ... but if you wish to do it now ... nothing gained but perhaps the tree lost.

I'm sure the tree specialists on here will come along and give you better advice than me .. but that's what I would do ... but actually I wouldn't, if you know what I mean ...

 

Thank you Woo.

Victoria I appreciate your reply. The reason I thought cutting it down was for it to shoot as you say. The reason being it happens to other older trees when cut down why not this? I had thought to leave it in it's pot for another year after cutting and then trim the roots. I am not sure if I can cut it down now or if it is too late. I would prefer if it was done when new growth is more probable. The tree has a sentimental attachment and this idea just came to me today I have no great experience of bonsai although I have two.