Hi all

First timer here and need some advice to preserve a large bonsai tree (and apology in advance if it is not a bonsai after all)

We have a large (possibly) bonsai tree that was left to us by the previous apartment owner. Recently we need to re-waterproof the balcony, and therefore, need to move the tree to one side until the floor is done. We did a bit of digging to see what is underneath that pile of soil (see picture 2), and didn't think there was a pot supporting the tree, and the small roots of the tree are interwind with the soil.

As we want to preseve the tree and keep it alive after the water-proofing is done, here are some questions I need advice on:
1. What is the safest way to move the tree to one side?
2. If we need to find a pot to fit it when moving it to one side - is a steel-pot OK? we probably will pile the soil back on top of the pot to bury it under again as how it looks now. Would this be OK?
3. How do we prune the roots safely if it is required? Can we do it ourselves?

Any advice on the above or suggestion how to preserve the bonsai tree would be appreciated.

P.S the tree is looking out to north on the balcony

Many thanks
Cindy

Well, it is not a bonsai as it is not in a pot. No a steel pot is not suitable. It is not the time of year to prune roots of any tree. It is a bad position facing north. Plants need sunshine. It is a badly neglected tree and it would be better to get it into a pot and relocate to a better place.

Thanks!

Just dig it out and dispose it. It does not like it there and the inbalance in the tree will take centuries to solve at a good spot

When the balcony is done. Go to a nurcery near you and get a mature japanese maple instead. They will not do great eigther, but a lot better than any conifer.

I would not throw it away, give it to someone who can look after it. It is not dead just needs some attention.

D you know what species of tree it is?

It looks like it could be a larch.

Considering how this tree has been growing in that spot for a long time, I do not understand why people say it will not do well. It obvisouly is doing well.

If you can, wait till early spring. After the last serious frost passes, dig it up and trim roots. Try to keep the rootball mostly intact. If you put it in a container, yes steel is fine, just make sure is hat plenty of drainage holes in it. The container for this needs to be of serious size though. Keep in mind, trees get heavier as they get bigger. Make sure the structure can hold heavy weight.

Healthwise the tree is doing well indeed. But it is just growing in one direction, towards the morning sun in East. It has been growing like that for quite a long time. Restoring balance in the tree is possible. But not at that spot and it will take many years. My suggestion is based on how I value the tree, next to nothing. If TS is happy with one sided growth, LBs suggestion is the best.