Repotting a Mugo Pine

Hello,

I have a Mugo pine and a Scots pine that I am interested in re potting (mostly for a soil change). I am wondering when the best time would be to re pot these trees.

Hi, some pictures would be great!
But usually in the beginning of the Spring, when buds swell.

BuckeyeBonsai wrote: I have a Mugo pine and a Scots pine that I am interested in re potting (mostly for a soil change). I am wondering when the best time would be to re pot these trees.

Clicio wrote: ...usually in the beginning of the Spring, when buds swell.

Here I´m gonna disagree with Clicio, at least regarding the Mugo Pine case. It seems that actually in this case a Summer repotting would better fit the repotting job:

Harry Harrington´s line: "Pinus Mugo has a bad reputation for reacting badly to repotting and rootpruning. It is not unusual to hear of Mugos becoming weak or even dying after a Spring repotting.
Unlike the timing for the Japanese Black Pine which is normally repotted as they come into active growth (the candles have extended and the new needles can be seen held tight against the candle). Mugo pines react far better to Summer repotting."

And the complete article that I hope it can help your cause:

www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATMugo%20Pines%20Indepth.htm

And finally one thread of personal experience... I once had a Mugo Pine, repotted as it is usually mandatory in late Winter to early Spring (before buds begin to extend) and the result was... Yes, it died before Summer season even ended.

Alain