Hello,
I'm new to the forum. I have a question about the timing of root pruning for a root-over-rock bonsai.

I began establishing a lagerstroemia for this purpose/style. I positioned all roots over the rock, secured them and left it alone for roughly the last year. Unfortunately, it appears that the plant is sitting up a bit higher off of the rock than I would prefer. I live in southern California and the plant is definitely coming out of dormancy and doing well; producing many buds now.

Question: If the roots coming out of the bottom of the trunk require removal (assuming they don't have too many feeders), am I jeopardizing the plant as it is currently budding quite a lot? Should I wait? Am I going about this all wrong? I am also concerned that the longer I wait to correct this problem, the roots may grow/attach onto the rock more and cause additional problems.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Remy