Hello, 

Just purchased a Hinoki Cypress from a large Landscaping store. I understand that the the season to repot is late to pretty much over for this species. However, it is currently not in great soil and in a burlap sack. I undid the sack to see the roots and get an idea of nebari. The tree does not seem as if it is completely "root bound" in the sack. Also, this is fairly large tree that seems well established and healthy at the moment. 

My question is - can I slip pot/ remove the sack or partially bare-root the tree now even though it is mid summer in my location, Northern Hemisphere- Midwest 4b/5 zone? IF SO, I was thinking and reading that a more well draining soil/ traditional bonsai soil for it to be slipped into would be better- is that correct? Also, any other advise for these tree is much appreciated as I have one other smaller ones that I have been letting grow out. 

You can uppot into bigger pot without disturbing the roots this time of the year. However there are nothing in your post that suggest that is needed.

Bonsai soil is for bonsai pots. As long as the tree is in early development it is better to grow it in a big nurcery container with organic soil. Some mineral substrates can be beneficial for drainage.

The soil your tree came in is the very soil the tree has been comercially produced in. If it is good for comercial growing it is good for a bonsai beginner in early development. Repotting is only an urgent task if the pot is not draining at all. So take your time. Once you are ready, reach out for a club in your area for support when doing it for the first time.

Hello, 

Thank you for the advice! I didn't want to get stuck with an "urgent repot" and possible risk the health of the tree at a later time due to possible soil issues/ it not being in a pot and only in a burlap sack. I'll slip pot the tree now and try not to disturb the root mass too much.

Also worth mentioning- when you do for code to repot the tree, many people don’t advise bare rooting Hinoki.  Instead, transition from native soil to your preferred bonsai soil over several repots.  

That’s what I’ll be doing with my 4 hinoki’s this spring when it comes time to move them out of nursery containers. 

Do nurceries in your side of the world use native soil for production? Here it is strictly prohibited.