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Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
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Author:  xu5 [ 30 Jun 2016, 20:45 ]
Post subject:  Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
I repotted this Beech this spring and have probably removed too much root at once. I t leafed out post repot, (yay!) but since then it seems to have stalled :200unsure: The first flush has still not turned a more mature looking dark green and the leaves are still small.

Image

Am I in big trouble? I am hoping the tree is focusing on rebuilding it roots and postponed any topside growth. My current plan is balanced organic and chempak feed with weekly folar feed of liquid seaweed and some bonemeal top dressing.

Any suggestions?
Author:  Gary Jones [ 30 Jun 2016, 20:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
Once beech have done their growing for the year they're done in terms of foliage growth. I expect the small leaves and lighter colour are a symptom of the severe repotting you mention. I expect you'll find next year it's back to normal.

I've done some early pruning on beech this year and it's quite demanding on the trees - those areas where I've done this have much smaller lighter leaves as well. The stuff left to it's own devices is much bigger and darker so I think we're both seeing the same effect of pushing beech hard.
Author:  paulpash [ 30 Jun 2016, 21:49 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
Leave it be for the rest of the season. Feed every 2 weeks (if using inorganic substrate) with a higher proportion of phosphorus. Add a few pinches of chempak 4 to your normal feed. Having 2 & 3 to hand too is useful for customising macro elements for things like growing trunks /sacrifices / or pumping up flowering potential. Bud setting is based on how well it grew this season so don't be tempted to leaf prune. Beech like a cool root run. Mine seems to like moss on the surface with mesh over it - better nebari development.
Author:  lameusername [ 30 Jun 2016, 21:57 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
Useful info, Paul, they are a tricky species to get right. Just seem to grow the once every spring. I've two and the one I collected this spring is in ordinary compost and has just a couple of large but pale leaves. The old one is finally looking good after many years of poor health, in its new molar substrate, and has produced lots of nice small dark green leaves.
Author:  Deano [ 01 Jul 2016, 07:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
lameusername wrote:
Useful info, Paul, they are a tricky species to get right. Just seem to grow the once every spring. I've two and the one I collected this spring is in ordinary compost and has just a couple of large but pale leaves. The old one is finally looking good after many years of poor health, in its new molar substrate, and has produced lots of nice small dark green leaves.

After root work my purple beech stayed decidedly green for 2 seasons, with quite small leaves. Healthy enough, just didn't wamnt to grow bigger. suited me.
Author:  paulpash [ 01 Jul 2016, 16:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
lameusername wrote:
Useful info, Paul, they are a tricky species to get right. Just seem to grow the once every spring. I've two and the one I collected this spring is in ordinary compost and has just a couple of large but pale leaves. The old one is finally looking good after many years of poor health, in its new molar substrate, and has produced lots of nice small dark green leaves.


Glad it's picking up health wise. They are one of the hardest deciduous species to "bonsai" but one of my favourites. Just a few seasons of poor pruning can critically weaken lower branches with very limited or risky options for chopping major branches if no buds are visible. Winter cut back of the apex & bud elimination is needed every year to keep it balanced.
Author:  paulpash [ 01 Jul 2016, 16:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
Deano wrote:
lameusername wrote:
Useful info, Paul, they are a tricky species to get right. Just seem to grow the once every spring. I've two and the one I collected this spring is in ordinary compost and has just a couple of large but pale leaves. The old one is finally looking good after many years of poor health, in its new molar substrate, and has produced lots of nice small dark green leaves.

After root work my purple beech stayed decidedly green for 2 seasons, with quite small leaves. Healthy enough, just didn't wamnt to grow bigger. suited me.



I know Bobby has tried it but have you ever defoliated Beech, Deano?
Author:  Deano [ 01 Jul 2016, 17:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
paulpash wrote:
Deano wrote:
lameusername wrote:
Useful info, Paul, they are a tricky species to get right. Just seem to grow the once every spring. I've two and the one I collected this spring is in ordinary compost and has just a couple of large but pale leaves. The old one is finally looking good after many years of poor health, in its new molar substrate, and has produced lots of nice small dark green leaves.

After root work my purple beech stayed decidedly green for 2 seasons, with quite small leaves. Healthy enough, just didn't wamnt to grow bigger. suited me.



I know Bobby has tried it but have you ever defoliated Beech, Deano?


No mate. I didn't want to risk it as so many sources advised against.
Author:  BobbyLane [ 01 Jul 2016, 18:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
There's a thread by Alain which demonstrates full defoliation of Beech. Another poster on here, Grant has also fully defoliated his Beech and from the recent carving work done on it, it appears to be budding out again. i only did partial on mine, after reading the article on bonsai4me. we've all seen Harry harringtons Beech that he's been using the said techniques on for years, according to the article. still plenty of time in the season for the Beeches to perk up and tbf we've had hardly any sun.
Author:  Bill [ 01 Jul 2016, 18:48 ]
Post subject:  Re: Beech tree first flush of growth "stalled"
Ive had mine do this a couple of times, i think its the root loss. I would put it in full shade and reduce feeding. It might extend some new growth later, if buds start swelling i would up the feed again.
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