When repotting a tree, it is absolutely essential that the tree not move once tied into the pot. Many of us just pull wires up over the root mass, scarring roots, or pulling wires close to the trunk. This is harmful to the tree, and often allows the root ball to move. This movement will hinder root growth into the new soil.

Kathy's technique for practicing tie-down involves the use of wood blocks to simulate the root mass. Tie-down procedures vary with the number of holes in the pot.

16 or 18 gauge wire is threaded through the screen, with special attention paid to the direction the wire will be pulled (this avoids the screen being pulled up when wires are tightened). Wires are pulled around the block sequentially, securing the root mass from all sides.

Pots with a single hole require that a U-shaped piece of wire be placed under the hole, and several wires attached to it. These wires are then pulled up to tie in the root mass Again they are wrapped sequentially.

Each pair of wires has two ends (A and B). The A wire is pulled to the B wire in sequence, twisted, and the B wire is cut off (B wires have been left on for illustrative purposes). The loop previously threaded over the 1A wire is twisted with the 4B wire (see diagram below)

One hole pot - bamboo wedges have been added
to futher stabilize the "trunk".

Three hole pot - again sequential wiring. A loop is used here, also (lower right).