Previous development of this oak from a nursery sapling on December 28, 2018 to a pre-bonsai in a terra cotta pot on October 5, 2023 was reported at https://beginbonsai.net/2023/10/05/oak-under-construction-valley-oak-quercus-lobata/ .
The tree has become closer to being a bonsai in the nearly two years since then.
The tree today.
The tree in fall 2023.
The tree after leaf loss and pruning of a couple of branches, including a branch I originally thought I might use as a sacrifice branch but then decided against it. This angle might be the eventual front of the tree since it is the widest at the base.
Possible front of the tree in the future.
Abundant mycorrhizae visible during repotting.
Bare-rooted for the repot.
Major root-removal to fit the tree into the shallow pot.
Supported the tree in the pot with rocks in addition to wiring down the roots.
Leafing out. The trunk was too horizontal in the pot.
The tree from the other side.
The tree after branch-pruning.
The pruned branches.
February 10, 2025:
Another repot to get a better trunk angle.
New angle.
Wired into pot.
Current front.
Current back.
Front side leafing out.
Back side leafing out.
The back side of the tree today.
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